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
dj richardson
Illini guard D.J. Richardson can’t seem to find his shot
After starting 12-0 the Illinois Fighting Illini are 2-3 in their last 5. And one of those wins was rather ugly. A big reason for their recent struggles is the ramped up level of competition as Big Ten play has begun. But it's also they fact the team lives and dies by the three, and no one was more so than senior guard D.J. Richardson. Of all his field goal attempts on the … [Read more...] about Illini guard D.J. Richardson can’t seem to find his shot
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
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?
Illinois Fighting Illini Tournament Resume: Strengths and Weaknesses
In our latest NCAA Tournament projection, we have the Illini as a #9 seed in the South Regional. Since February is pretty much here- time to think about who needs to shore up the old resume for selection time come March. At 16-6, 5-4 in conference, RPI 37, SoS 26 and 5-4 and vs the RPI top 50 their profile looks very solid, but not extraordinary. Including that BAD loss at … [Read more...] about Illinois Fighting Illini Tournament Resume: Strengths and Weaknesses
Spartans’ Leading Scorer/Rebounder Draymond Green Leaves Game With Serious Leg Injury
The Big Ten's leading rebounder, and best player on the nation's 9th ranked team may be out for awhile. Michigan State forward Draymond Green seriously hurt his left leg in tonight's mild upset loss to the Illini, and left the game with 3:50 left, unable to walk on his own power. Green was down on the Assembly Hall floor in Champaign for quite awhile, and after examination … [Read more...] about Spartans’ Leading Scorer/Rebounder Draymond Green Leaves Game With Serious Leg Injury
Michigan St.-Illinois Game Just Like Overall Series: Very Tight
Entering tonight's contest, the Michigan State-Illinois series was tied at 55. The last 13 games in the series have been decided by 10 points or less, and this was no different. And the #9 Michigan State Spartans fell to the Illinois Fighting Illini 42-41. There was really ugly offense in the first half, by both teams. A 22-20 score is often the result when one team's best … [Read more...] about Michigan St.-Illinois Game Just Like Overall Series: Very Tight
2011-12 Illini Have Competitive Advantage over ’10-’11 Version
It's rather ironic when you think about it. Last year's Illini basketball team entered the year with exceedingly high expectations; the theme was last dance for a talented senior trio. This year's team entered with zero expectations. The theme was rebuilding and re-establishing. Yet, if it were somehow possible to get the two teams to play each other I'd pick this year's squad … [Read more...] about 2011-12 Illini Have Competitive Advantage over ’10-’11 Version
Illini Hoops Want More Defense Behind Leaders Richardson, Paul
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