Former Illinois guard Keaton Kutcher has a very bright future ahead. He is much more than the cousin of Ashton Kutcher. Let's get that established up front. Keaton is a very personable young man who is fun to talk to, and during our exclusive interview, conducted in Milwaukee as the NCAA Tournament was about to commence, the Ashton Kutcher talk was rather limited; as it … [Read more...] about Exclusive: Illini Asst. Coach Keaton Kutcher Discusses His Cousin Ashton Kutcher and Much More
march madness
Brad Underwood Maintains National Title Ambitions for Illinois Basketball
It has been a rough start to the offseason for Illinois basketball, but you know what they say- when defections occur, replacements are inevitable. When you have notable exits, it preludes meaningful additions. The Morez Johnson departure shocked us all. The Tre White exit, not so much. However, reinforcements are coming for Brad Underwood, with Josh Dix having taken his … [Read more...] about Brad Underwood Maintains National Title Ambitions for Illinois Basketball
Michigan State Has Tough, but Achievable Road to Final Four
Auburn is the highest overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, but they are certainly not guaranteed a Final Four berth by any stretch. Michigan State is the #2 seed in their bracket, the South Regional of the NCAA Tournament. Getting the Spartans is not a reward for them, as that could ultimately prove to be one epic regional final. … [Read more...] about Michigan State Has Tough, but Achievable Road to Final Four
Do Michigan State B1G Tourney Results Predict Their March Madness Runs?
Looking for clues on whether or not you should pick Michigan State in your bracket pool? Well, you can consider their Big Ten tournament final result as a factor in your equation. #1 seeded Michigan State opens their BTT against #9 seed Oregon in the tournament quarterfinals this morning in Indianapolis. Jase Richardson, the team's second leading scorer, discussed this … [Read more...] about Do Michigan State B1G Tourney Results Predict Their March Madness Runs?
Exclusive with Morez Johnson, Key Building Block for 2025-26 Illini
(Update: Morez Johnson officially enters the transfer portal, just three days after this exclusive interview was first published) Unfortunately, it's already time to look ahead to next season, Illini basketball fans. Once again, the second round of the NCAA Tournament continues to be a bugaboo/road block (they have exited the tourney in this exact round in five of their last … [Read more...] about Exclusive with Morez Johnson, Key Building Block for 2025-26 Illini
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
Last Illini vs Kentucky Tournament Matchup Inspired a New NCAA Rule
Tomorrow will mark the fifth time that the Illinois Fighting Illini face the Kentucky Wildcats in the NCAA Tournament. UK has won all four of the previous meetings: 1942 Elite Eight: 46-44,1949 Final Four 76-47, 1951 Final Four 76-74 and 1984 Elite Eight 54-51. That last one has a special historical significance, as it was played at Rupp Arena and thereby gave UK an unfair … [Read more...] about Last Illini vs Kentucky Tournament Matchup Inspired a New NCAA Rule
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
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
All-Time March Madness All-Name Teams
When it comes to creative names in the college sports these days, the Key & Peele "East-West College Bowl" sketches changed the game forever. Remember that this March Madness. Jordan Peele and Michael Keegan are two brilliant humorists and social theorists, and their three part sketch about the uniqueness of player names is a must watch for anyone who has been involved … [Read more...] about All-Time March Madness All-Name Teams