Last night the #23 Illini lost at home to a Northwestern team that has their coach squarely on the hot seat, is reeling from injuries and without their best player in Drew Crawford. The loss was the third in a row by double digits for the Illini, and the three defeats have been even more lopsided than the scores indicate. This shouldn't be happening to a team that was ranked in … [Read more...] about 9 things really wrong with Illini basketball right now
brandon paul
#11 Illini crush #8 Ohio State, rebound literally and figuratively
This is what it's like to rebound: both winning the battle on the glass and coming back from a loss. In their last three games (Mizzou, Auburn and Purdue) the Illini got owned on the backboards and went 1-2. In their Big Ten opener Illinois got upset by a .500 Purdue team. The loss was shocking, but the #11 Illini recovered nicely, CRUSHING the #8 Ohio State Buckeyes 74-55 in … [Read more...] about #11 Illini crush #8 Ohio State, rebound literally and figuratively
Illini seniors D.J. Richardson and Brandon Paul lead the way
The Illinois Fighting Illini suffered their first loss last night to Mizzou, but they're still 12-1. And nationally ranked. I think any Illinois fan would have taken 12-1 at this point when the season started. This Illini team will go as far as their seniors will take them. And I'm not talking about Tyler Griffey. Four year starter guards D.J. Richardson and Brandon Paul are … [Read more...] about Illini seniors D.J. Richardson and Brandon Paul lead the way
#13 Illini are for real; win at #10 Gonzaga verifies
Last year's Illinois Fighting Illini started 10-0, just like this year's team. They finished an awful 17-15. But those were the Illini of Bruce Weber, not John Groce. With the 85-74 win at #10 Gonzaga last night, the first year coach has now produced the fastest start for a rookie coach in school history. 11 point underdogs, no one gave the Illini a chance. CBS' Doug … [Read more...] about #13 Illini are for real; win at #10 Gonzaga verifies
#63 Illinois Fighting Illini: College Basketball 111 in 111
Welcome to The Sports Bank’s third annual college basketball season preview series. Two years we looked at 99 teams in 99 days. Last year, we were slightly more aggressive and expanded to 111 teams in 111 days and will do so again as we look ahead to the 2012-2013 season. We will rank the 75 power conference teams and top 36 mid-majors in reverse power ranking order. … [Read more...] about #63 Illinois Fighting Illini: College Basketball 111 in 111
Illini star Brandon Paul breaks jaw in open gym session
Illini guard Brandon Paul will have to carry the load for Illinois college basketball next season. Especially now that Meyers Leonard is gone to the NBA (most likely the Milwaukee Bucks with the #12 pick). BP dropped 43 in the season's biggest win over Final Four team Ohio State, but he was still largely inconsistent, and committed way too many turnovers. Paul will need to … [Read more...] about Illini star Brandon Paul breaks jaw in open gym session
Illini C Meyers Leonard declares for NBA Draft; tough break for John Groce
The first season for new Illini head coach John Groce just got a lot tougher. He'll be without his big 7 foot post presence in Center Meyers Leonard, who declared for the NBA Draft. His sounds-like-it-tested-well-with-focus-groups statement regarding the matter: “This was a very difficult decision because I love the University of Illinois. But I feel the timing is right … [Read more...] about Illini C Meyers Leonard declares for NBA Draft; tough break for John Groce
Illini Meyers Leonard and Brandon Paul testing NBA Draft waters
The 2011-12 Illinois Fighting Illini alpha dog (Brandon Paul) and second banana (Meyers Leonard) have submitted their names to the NBA’s undergraduate advisory committee to receive feedback on their draft stock. Therefore, they will have the chance to receive feedback from NBA scouts on their game, but still retain the ability to return to school next season. I think I know … [Read more...] about Illini Meyers Leonard and Brandon Paul testing NBA Draft waters
Embattled Illini avoid first winless February since 1907
The college basketball season is only five months long, so any time you're talking about a winless month, it's not a good sign. And in their seventh and final game of the year's shortest month, the Illini would not come up short. They picked up a 65-54 win over the Iowa Hawkeyes, avoiding the February donut, which hasn't happened to the program since 1907. The Illini also … [Read more...] about Embattled Illini avoid first winless February since 1907
Just how shaky is Illini coach Bruce Weber’s Job Security?
The Assembly Hall crowd in Champaign called for Bruce Weber's head. Illini fans in B Section screamed "pack your bags" and "I can draw up a better offense." This has gone on for years, except this time there was one major difference- No one in the orange and blue crowd stuck up for Bruce. And this happened during one of this year's signature wins, a victory over a top ten … [Read more...] about Just how shaky is Illini coach Bruce Weber’s Job Security?