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
College Basketball
#19 Illini Basketball at Northwestern Wildcats Game Preview
Friday night brings the men's basketball version of the LOL Hat game (1 of 2 every season) with the football version just having completed this past Saturday at Wrigley Field. Illini basketball will look to make it a sweep for the orange and blue. One of the main story lines here is the environment. How will the Welsh-Ryan Arena crowd be split, percentage wise, between … [Read more...] about #19 Illini Basketball at Northwestern Wildcats Game Preview
Will Riley Brings NBA Lottery Level Talent to Illini Basketball Team
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
How Technology is Influencing the Rules and Strategies of Professional Football
Technology is transforming football in fantastic ways. From VAR to wearable devices, technology has enhanced the game, making it intelligent and less prone to bias. It assists referees in making better decisions and provides players and coaches with new angles to consider in their approach. Now, let’s look at how technology is changing the governing and tactical dynamics of … [Read more...] about How Technology is Influencing the Rules and Strategies of Professional Football
Rutgers Basketball Having a Moment, and Maybe a Movement?
As Lin-Manuel Miranda rapped in "My Shot," from his masterpiece Hamilton, "this is not a moment, it's the movement." Only time will tell is Steve Pikiell takes the Rutgers basketball program to that level, or not, but this upcoming season will be momentous. Pikiell, in 2016, inherited a program from Eddie Joran that won just three Big Ten games during their first two seasons in … [Read more...] about Rutgers Basketball Having a Moment, and Maybe a Movement?
Tony Bennett Rejected a Visit to the Trump White House in 2019
As the 2024 Election is upon us, we re-publish some of our more relevant posts on Donald J. Trump. This one, from April of 2019, covers Tony Bennett, who retired from coaching a couple weeks ago, so it is especially relevant on another level. Just a pre-emptive warning to the 45th POTUS and his cultish acolytes- "leave Virginia alone" as Rod Stewart once sang. Virginia is … [Read more...] about Tony Bennett Rejected a Visit to the Trump White House in 2019
Dylan Harper, Son of Bulls Legend Ron Harper, Has High NBA Draft Stock
For five time NBA champion Ron Harper, and his son Dylan Harper, "the son also rises." If we can get Hemingwayesque here. Actually this is the second instance of the son also rising, as Ron Harper Jr. is currently a member of the reigning champion Boston Celtics. But the potential is there for Dylan Harper to someday, down the line, surpass both of them. Dylan Harper is the … [Read more...] about Dylan Harper, Son of Bulls Legend Ron Harper, Has High NBA Draft Stock
Iowa Hawkeyes Begin Life After Caitlin Clark in a Strong Position
Caitlin Clark, who might some day become the Michael Jordan of women's basketball has left the building. Villanova transfer Lucy Olsen has stepped in to try and replace her at point guard. Legendary Iowa Hawkeyes coach Lisa Bluder has retired. Long-time assistant Jan Jensen now takes the reins. Yes, it's a major season of change in Iowa City, on several levels, but strong … [Read more...] about Iowa Hawkeyes Begin Life After Caitlin Clark in a Strong Position
Illini Basketball Wins Big Ten Media Day With Bingo Card
Ah Media Day, the art of talking without actually really saying anything. Everyone is "excited to be here," "can't wait to get started" because "we have the potential to be the best (insert position group here) in the Big Ten, if not the nation." And amidst this backdrop, the Illini basketball program won 2024 Big Ten Media Days with their Bingo card. So many buzz-phrases … [Read more...] about Illini Basketball Wins Big Ten Media Day With Bingo Card
“Student-Athletes” is a Phrase With a Dark History
Editor's Note: the original publication where this article was posted has since been eradicated, so we brought this post over to The Sports Bank before it got deleted. It originally ran in August 2013. I can’t remember the last time I used the phrase student-athletes in my writing. I never consciously used it; and if it was said in a press conference, I simply used a … [Read more...] about “Student-Athletes” is a Phrase With a Dark History