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
Illinois basketball preview
Illini Upset #18 Gonzaga; Illinois is Better than You Think
Even when Illinois is having a down year, or a "rebuilding year," they still get at least one win in over a ranked team. In 1998-99 and 2007-08 (two college basketball seasons that saw Illinois break the school record for losses) they still beat a couple ranked teams- even if it didn't happen until the Big Ten Tournament. It's a hallmark of where Illinois is as a program, … [Read more...] about Illini Upset #18 Gonzaga; Illinois is Better than You Think
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
2012 Illini Hoops Most Important Player? Meyers Leonard!
Last night's 79-51 exhibition rout of Wayne State was expected for most Illini basketball fans. The most important number of the box score is found in the game's leading scorer, Meyers Leonard. He had 18 points, in just 16 minutes, that's a great sign for your Illinois Fighting Illini, because they'll really need Leonard to be good, if they're going to be good. … [Read more...] about 2012 Illini Hoops Most Important Player? Meyers Leonard!
#36 Illinois Fighting Illini: College Basketball 111 in 111
Welcome to The Sports Bank’s second annual college basketball season preview series. Last year we looked at 99 teams in 99 days. This year, we are being slightly more aggressive and expanding to 111 teams in 111 days. We will rank the 74 power conference teams and top 37 mid-majors in reverse power ranking order. We’ll break down rosters, non-conference schedules, and pick … [Read more...] about #36 Illinois Fighting Illini: College Basketball 111 in 111
99 in 99: #10 Illinois Fighting Illini
Without question, this is the most talent the Illinois Fighting Illini has put on the floor since their 2004-2005 Champaign Campaign. There is a good mix of size, athleticism, and guard play; veterans and newcomers. The question will be whether or not this group can put it all together and live up to the high expectations entering this season. The first step begins tonight … [Read more...] about 99 in 99: #10 Illinois Fighting Illini
Meet your Illini Dominique Keller, Alex Legion
By Paul M. Banks and Paul Schmidt Welcome to The Sports Bank.net YouTube Channel! We just launched what will now be our primary home for the first-class interviews we conduct with the biggest names in Midwestern sports. Please subscribe to TSB's channel by clicking here. We launch our channel with the first of our series of exclusive interviews with some of the #23 ranked … [Read more...] about Meet your Illini Dominique Keller, Alex Legion
2009-2010 Big Ten Basketball Preview: Part 2 of 4
By: David Kay The middle of Big Ten was filled with mediocrity last season as demonstrated by the fact that eight teams finished with conference records between 11-7 and 8-10. Some of that can be chalked up to opponents beating up on each other on a nightly basis and there being no real “gimme” (except for Indiana.) Some of that can also be chalked up to young teams still … [Read more...] about 2009-2010 Big Ten Basketball Preview: Part 2 of 4