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Illini Hoops Want More Defense Behind Leaders Richardson, Paul

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One of the biggest reasons the Illini fell well short of preseason expectations last year was their lack of defensive heart and intensity. It isn't like a Bruce Weber coached team to not defend, and last year Illinois lost way too many games because their inability to get stops down the stetch and in crunch time. Especially on the road, Illinois would dig deep holes for … [Read more...] about Illini Hoops Want More Defense Behind Leaders Richardson, Paul

Bruce Weber is Staying at Illinois, Not Going to Oklahoma

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After the Matt Painter mess fatigued us all the next Big Ten coaching carousel rumor mill to spin so rapidly it gave us vertigo (too many metaphors concentrated in one place!) was Illini coach Bruce Weber going to Oklahoma. There was a whole series of tweets and leaks saying there was mutual interest- not true. Don't you love this time of year in college basketball? When the … [Read more...] about Bruce Weber is Staying at Illinois, Not Going to Oklahoma

Why do the Illini have so Little Fight on the Road?

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Following yet another disappointing road loss at Northwestern, Illinois Head Coach Bruce Weber talked about what he's tried to fix their 1-4 in conference play road woes. "We tried lineup changes, they all want to start, but step up and be a starter, make the plays. Billy (Cole) said it, we got to start the game with shutouts, we got to be determined, we can't let a … [Read more...] about Why do the Illini have so Little Fight on the Road?

Can this Illini Team, specifically the Seniors, Ever Wake Up?

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“We have had people talk to them, and we did everything except electric shock [therapy] to get them going,  Illini coach Bruce Weber said about his college basketball team. “They have to jolt themselves from the inside. We have to be determined and not let a team, especially on the road, jump on us.” Weber made this comment after his Illini team lost at Northwestern; despite … [Read more...] about Can this Illini Team, specifically the Seniors, Ever Wake Up?

Where Have You Gone Illini PG Demetri McCamey?

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He was having an All-American second team, All-Big Ten first team type season. At least up until his unhappy visit to Happy Valley. Illini senior point guard Demetri McCamey went (a then uncharacteristic) sub-50% from the field, and committed five turnovers to match his five assists. The Illini lost to Penn State, and the McCamey/Illinois college basketball season slide … [Read more...] about Where Have You Gone Illini PG Demetri McCamey?

Northwestern Closes Out Illini, Illinois Road Woes Continue

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In the second battle between Chicago's two Big Ten college basketball teams, the outcome was drastically different from the first. Just how much of a disparity? It would be like comparing the body composition of Illini Center Mike Tisdale (7-1, very svelte) to that of Jersey Shore star Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi (4-8, very squished). In their first meeting in Champaign, … [Read more...] about Northwestern Closes Out Illini, Illinois Road Woes Continue

Coaches Rock Upon the Mic Right at Big 10 Media Day

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Many college basketball experts believe the Big Ten will be the best conference in the nation this year. And on paper, it certainly looks that way, as they have a first team all conference squad of players who have ruled the Big Ten since they were sophomores. Now they have reached their prime. And when it comes to coaches, the Big Ten has a fine a pedigree as any. … [Read more...] about Coaches Rock Upon the Mic Right at Big 10 Media Day

Illini Hoops Media Day Notable Quotables (Videos)

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Last season, the Illinois Fighting Illini were one of the most schizophrenic teams in the Big Ten, if not the nation. They beat Michigan State, a Final Four team in an emotional ESPN College Gameday event, and won at Wisconsin's Kohl Center, where almost no one beats the Badgers. They also had Ohio State, a #2 seed in the NCAA Tournament on the ropes in the conference … [Read more...] about Illini Hoops Media Day Notable Quotables (Videos)