The Sports Bank

Football. Soccer. Basketball. Gaming and Much More

meyers leonard

Illini Upset #18 Gonzaga; Illinois is Better than You Think

By

Even when Illinois is having a down year, or a "rebuilding year," they still get at least one win in over a ranked team. In 1998-99 and 2007-08 (two college basketball seasons that saw Illinois break the school record for losses) they still beat a couple ranked teams- even if it didn't happen until the Big Ten Tournament. It's a hallmark of where Illinois is as a program, … [Read more...] about Illini Upset #18 Gonzaga; Illinois is Better than You Think

Illinois over Illinois State in Cancun Tourney Title PARTY!!! WOO-HOO!!!

By

It was an all Land of Lincoln title game in the 2011 Cancun Challenge title game. The Illinois Fighting Illini fell behind the Illinois State Redbirds 49-48 down the stretch but rallied in the end and hung on to win 63-59. The Moon Place Resort in Cancun, Mexico houses a very small gym which was the setting for the Illini claiming a tournament victory. The cold prairies of … [Read more...] about Illinois over Illinois State in Cancun Tourney Title PARTY!!! WOO-HOO!!!

Illini Open New Season and Court With Victory Over Loyola 67-49

By

The state of Illinois has produced only one college basketball national championship, and it wasn't accomplished by the Illinois Fighting Illini; although they were just a couple 3-pt FGs away in '05. Depaul made the Final 4 in '80s glory years under Ray Meyer, but no further. SIU has won a lot of games in March lately, but they haven't cut down the nets either. I doubt any … [Read more...] about Illini Open New Season and Court With Victory Over Loyola 67-49

2012 Illini Hoops Most Important Player? Meyers Leonard!

By

Last night's 79-51 exhibition rout of Wayne State was expected for most Illini basketball fans. The most important number of the box score is found in the game's leading scorer, Meyers Leonard. He had 18 points, in just 16 minutes, that's a great sign for your Illinois Fighting Illini, because they'll really need Leonard to be good, if they're going to be good. … [Read more...] about 2012 Illini Hoops Most Important Player? Meyers Leonard!

#36 Illinois Fighting Illini: College Basketball 111 in 111

By

Welcome to The Sports Bank’s second annual college basketball season preview series.  Last year we looked at 99 teams in 99 days.  This year, we are being slightly more aggressive and expanding to 111 teams in 111 days.  We will rank the 74 power conference teams and top 37 mid-majors in reverse power ranking order.  We’ll break down rosters, non-conference schedules, and pick … [Read more...] about #36 Illinois Fighting Illini: College Basketball 111 in 111

Illini Whip Northwestern; Wildcats in 0-3 in Big Ten

By

Last year's game was A BIT closer than this. When the Illinois Fighting Illini took on their rival Northwestern Wildcats for the first time in 2010, the annual meeting in Champaign resulted in an exciting and very high-scoring overtime thriller in which the Cats took care of the ball astonishingly well, committed very few mistakes, but fell just short. This battle to be … [Read more...] about Illini Whip Northwestern; Wildcats in 0-3 in Big Ten

Illini Frosh Meyers Leonard Already YouTube Sensation

By

When most freshmen begin their college basketball careers, they're usually an unknown commodity. (Other than the the blue-chip commodities) But in today's age of YouTube, Twitter, Flipshare, IPhone camcorders etc., one can become a star quite easily given the right set of circumstances. Take Illini freshman recruit Meyers Leonard. The seven footer from Robinson, IL is a … [Read more...] about Illini Frosh Meyers Leonard Already YouTube Sensation