Nothing like bringing up the all-time worst enemies of Illini Nation on a Monday morning when you're back at work, and the madness is over...for now. Don't worry, it ramps right up again in only three days. It's time for the #3 seed Illinois to face #2 seed Houston, led by head coach Kelvin Sampson, on Thursday night. The game will tip around 8 or 9 pm local, and it's taking … [Read more...] about Kelvin Sampson and Six More All-Time Enemies of Illini Nation
Kelvin Sampson
Illini Bracket Overflowing with Past Grievances, Major Bad Blood
At this point, I don't think anyone really believes all the lip service that the NCAA Tournament broadcast partners gives to metrics, numbers and stats when it comes to how the bracket is constructed. Sure, things like Quad 1 wins, records versus the top teams and the NET standings do matter, but you know what trumps all that? Ratings. And you know how you get additional boosts … [Read more...] about Illini Bracket Overflowing with Past Grievances, Major Bad Blood
Indiana Hoosiers claim preseason No. 1 in USA Today Coaches Poll
Tom Crean's restoration project of Indiana University basketball has pretty much come full-circle. After being crippled by NCAA sanctions stemming from former coach Kelvin Sampson's violations, struggling through six-, 10- and 12-win seasons his first three years in Bloomington, and leading a remarkable turnaround in 2012-13 that resulted in a Sweet 16 appearance, Crean has … [Read more...] about Indiana Hoosiers claim preseason No. 1 in USA Today Coaches Poll
Indiana Hoosiers Starting to Feel Grind of Big Ten Slate
All in all, the Indiana Hoosiers still are in a greatly encouraging spot right now compared to where they've been at this point each of the last three seasons. The resurgent Hoosiers, who have suffered through three years of aftermath of the Kelvin Sampson debacle, have finally found their way in this fourth year under coach Tom Crean, knocking off Nos. 1 and 2 teams … [Read more...] about Indiana Hoosiers Starting to Feel Grind of Big Ten Slate
Indiana Hoosiers Are Back After Beating No. 1 Kentucky
Welcome back, Indiana University basketball. It's been way too long. Fans in Bloomington and across the nation have been longing -- aching -- to utter those words after the fallout from the Kelvin Sampson fiasco and the subsequent 28 wins over the first three seasons of the Tom Crean era. And what better way to usher in the Hoosiers' resurgence than with an epic 73-72 … [Read more...] about Indiana Hoosiers Are Back After Beating No. 1 Kentucky
Indiana Hoosiers Take Program’s Buzz into Kentucky Game
The week leading up to the Indiana University basketball game against No. 1 Kentucky at 5:15 today at Assembly Hall has been, in actuality, a rather controversial one in Bloomington. IU Athletics sustained a bit of a public relations hit in reprimanding a group of students who planned to camp out in front of Assembly Hall for the entire week so that the fans could be first … [Read more...] about Indiana Hoosiers Take Program’s Buzz into Kentucky Game
Top Ten Coaching Jobs in College Basketball
By: David K. Billy Gillespie gets the boot at Kentucky after not meeting expectations in his two seasons. John Calipari is attempting to pick up the pieces in Lexington as he bolts from Memphis to help re-build UK. Tony Bennett leaves Washington State for Virginia while VCU’s Anthony Grant makes the jump from mid-major to major conference by taking the reigns at Alabama. … [Read more...] about Top Ten Coaching Jobs in College Basketball