NBA level talent is something that had been truly missing from the Illinois Fighting Illini program for some time. There was a long drought between Meyers Leonard (2012) and Ayo Dosunmu (2021). However, between Brandin Podziemski in 2023, Terrence Shannon Jr. this past June, plus the potential of Will Riley (who we'll feature here) and Kasparas Jackucionis (who we'll feature … [Read more...] about Will Riley Brings NBA Lottery Level Talent to Illini Basketball Team
50 Planes Trains and Automobiles Commuting Plot Holes, Mistakes
The 1987 John Hughes holiday classic "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" is widely considered to be the best Thanksgiving movie of all time. Many families, including my own, screen the classic film at their gatherings this week. And in some cases, those watch parties involve pointing out all the glaring plot holes. Such is the case in my family, which includes some engineers, a … [Read more...] about 50 Planes Trains and Automobiles Commuting Plot Holes, Mistakes
Black Friday: Full History of the Name and Term
With the off-year election results now behind us, and all the dust settled on that, the next November event to next captivate America will be Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year. But where did the Black Friday name come from? Well, let's first take a look at what it is, before getting into what it means. This "event" occurs on the Friday after Thanksgiving … [Read more...] about Black Friday: Full History of the Name and Term
2025 MLB Mock Draft: Update 11-20-24
Our fifth edition of the 2025 MLB mock draft is now here, and it comes with wholesale changes! Lots of lots of changes are a part of 2025 MLB Mock Draft Version 5.0. The Sports Bank, at least as far as we know, is the only independently-owned, mom and pop shop website to publish a mock draft in all four of the major North American sports. … [Read more...] about 2025 MLB Mock Draft: Update 11-20-24
New Northwestern Football Stadium Renderings Unveiled
Monday saw the Northwestern football program unveil more artist renderings of their new stadium, the new Ryan Field, which is slated to open in 2026. In the new venue, capacity will be 35,000 which is a decrease from the old building which held 47,000. But obviously this new home field will have a lot more bang for the buck. Wildcats fans, as well as fans of other Big Ten teams … [Read more...] about New Northwestern Football Stadium Renderings Unveiled
Aston Villa Starting XI Prediction vs Crystal Palace
Aston Villa are in free fall right now. Finishing in the top four last season, they had been parked in that same zone for most of this season. Now, ahead of a home clash with relegation fodder Crystal Palace, they have just one win in their last five, and find themselves potentially slipping onto the second page of the standings. Perhaps playing a very lower table side like … [Read more...] about Aston Villa Starting XI Prediction vs Crystal Palace
Aston Villa Team News vs Crystal Palace: Cash, Onana, Torres, Ramsey, Kamara, Konsa, Maatsen
For long stretches of this season so far, Aston Villa had a very healthy team. You even had a couple (maybe even a few) weeks where they were a nearly fully fit squad. That's all by the way side now, as manager Unai Emery has a multitude of injury concerns, as play resumes this weekend. The list includes Ezri Konsa, Ian Maatsen, Matty Cash, Amadou Onana, Ross Barkley, Jacob … [Read more...] about Aston Villa Team News vs Crystal Palace: Cash, Onana, Torres, Ramsey, Kamara, Konsa, Maatsen
Arsenal FC Starting XI Prediction vs Nottingham Forest
The last international break of 2024 is now over. Well, actually it's not, as there are a few matches left, but it's pretty much done. Either way, we're moving on and looking ahead to the next weekend of club action, because we feel it's time. Arsenal FC hosts Nottingham Forest in a match-up of two sides with the same number of points. Yes, we are as surprised by that as you … [Read more...] about Arsenal FC Starting XI Prediction vs Nottingham Forest
2025 NBA Mock Draft 11-17-24
Welcome to version 9.0 of our 2025 NBA Mock Draft, which is overflowing with changes, starting right up at the top. We're talking about wholesale changes, up and down the 2025 NBA Mock Draft. Let's start with the Rutgers duo who are considered top five overall prospects, in Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey. And with Bailey, he might even be the first overall pick. … [Read more...] about 2025 NBA Mock Draft 11-17-24
Arsenal Team News vs Nottingham Forest: Ben White, Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard
The international break is nearly over (or close enough to it), so it's time to start previewing the next round of Premier League fixtures. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is dealing with a host of fitness concerns for this one, and the list includes Ben White, Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu. Some of the names on that list … [Read more...] about Arsenal Team News vs Nottingham Forest: Ben White, Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard