When you think of Canada, you often think hockey next. And conversely, when you first hear the word hockey, you might think of Canada next, when it comes to word association. Things could be changing though, at least according to Kitchener, Ontario native Will Riley. The #1 ranked basketball recruit from Canada, Riley has really developed as the season has gone along. … [Read more...] about Will Riley Believes Basketball Could Replace Hockey as Top Canadian Sport
kasparas jakucionis
Illini Floor General Kasparas Jakucionis Has Lottery Level NBA Draft Stock
With the NBA Draft tomorrow night, we now re-post our NBA Draft Stock Profile articles. This one originally ran in February. Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kasparas Jakucionis entered his team's 70-66 (OT) loss at Northwestern leading all freshmen, nationally, in assists per game. He tallied seven more dimes tonight, which helps improve his average, as he came in averaging six … [Read more...] about Illini Floor General Kasparas Jakucionis Has Lottery Level NBA Draft Stock
Illini Basketball Transfer Talk: Dame Sarr, Jamir Watkins, Ian Jackson
We are now in an era where the college basketball offseason news cycle mirrors the summer transfer window in European football/soccer (we do actually need to cover FC Barcelona in this edition). Even when there is no actual news, there is still plenty of transfer rumors/talk/speculation and conjecture. It's a natural consequence given the rise of NIL budgets, and a NCAA … [Read more...] about Illini Basketball Transfer Talk: Dame Sarr, Jamir Watkins, Ian Jackson
How Illini Stars Kasparas Jakucionis, Tomislav Ivisic First Got Into Hoops
Illinois stars Kasparas Jakucionis and Tomislav Ivisic played in the NCAA Tournament for the first time tonight, as the #6 seed Illini beat #11 seed Xavier 86-73 in the first round at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. Until Friday night, the pair of Eastern European sharpshooters has only watched it from afar, on television. Jakucionis, a combo guard with high NBA Draft stock from … [Read more...] about How Illini Stars Kasparas Jakucionis, Tomislav Ivisic First Got Into Hoops
Illinois Basketball: NCAA Tournament 1st Weekend News and Notes
The 2024-25 Illinois basketball team will begin their NCAA Tournament in Milwaukee on Friday night against the winner of Wednesday night's Texas vs. Xavier First Four play-in game. Illinois basketball coach Brad Underwood will no doubt have his team believing: "We're gonna make our dreams come true...Doin' it our way...Nothin's gonna turn us back now. Straight ahead and on … [Read more...] about Illinois Basketball: NCAA Tournament 1st Weekend News and Notes
Illini Basketball: 2025 NCAA Tournament Weekend 1 Preview
For the 2024-25 Illinois Fighting Illini basketball team, the March Madness destination is Milwaukee and the Fiserv Forum, home of the 2021 NBA Champion Milwaukee Bucks. Their opponent will be the winner of the Texas-Xavier play-in game tomorrow evening. Fun fact- this is the first time the Illini will face a play-in game winner in their opening NCAA Tournament game. … [Read more...] about Illini Basketball: 2025 NCAA Tournament Weekend 1 Preview
Complete Illini NCAA Tournament History for Millenials
Friday night sees the Illinois Fighting Illini making their 35th overall NCAA Tournament appearance, and fifth in a row following an 8-year drought. It would have been six in a row, had the covid-19 pandemic not cancelled the 2020 tournament. The Illini own an all-time NCAA Tournament record of 45-35. Their March Madness destination is Milwaukee, the Fiserv Forum, and their … [Read more...] about Complete Illini NCAA Tournament History for Millenials
Illinois Basketball Game Preview vs #11 Michigan State Spartans
This Illinois basketball team is now starting to stack up quality wins. And with the #11 Michigan State Spartans coming to town on Saturday night, for a nationally televised (on regular, free over-the-air television, not the usual subscription streaming service bs) marquee matchup, an opportunity for a true "signature win" awaits. … [Read more...] about Illinois Basketball Game Preview vs #11 Michigan State Spartans
Illini Basketball Game Preview: vs #1 Tennessee Volunteers
Kasparas Jakucionis- you may not know how to correctly spell or pronounce his name, but he is the real deal. An Illini basketball player dominating at point guard and wearing #32? It's a bit reminiscent of Demetri McCamey, who was also among the top players in not only the Big Ten, but also the nation. Jakucionis was dominant in the 86-80 win over #20 Wisconsin last night, … [Read more...] about Illini Basketball Game Preview: vs #1 Tennessee Volunteers