Tag: Fighting Illini

Illini, D.J. Richardson sort of struggling right now

Illini, D.J. Richardson sort of struggling right now
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 season, only 46 have been of the 2-point variety. The three is D.J.’s game so when it’s off, so is he, as are the Illini? Richardson has always been streaky, he’s had major struggles with his shot at various times during his college basketball career, but this slump could be his worst. Or it seems that way since the Illini are ranked so high and playing in so many high profile games? Maybe it’s time for Coach John Groce to sub Joseph Bertrand in the lineup for Richardson...
By Paul M. Banks,
January 10, 2013 at 9:00 am • 

#11 Illini crush #8 Ohio State, rebound literally and figuratively

#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 their conference home opener. They won the battle of the boards 40-30. It was their second win over a top ten team this season, and their most lopsided defeat of a top ten ranked Big Ten team since 1954. Although it appears both teams in this one are over-ranked and overrated. Or it’s just that no one will be able to win on the road in the Big Ten this year. Either way, it was Illinois’ best defensive effort of the year by far, and a career game for center Nnanna Egwu...
By Paul M. Banks,
January 5, 2013 at 6:37 pm • 

Illini will go as far as Paul and Richardson take them

Illini will go as far as Paul and Richardson take them
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 the keys to the Illini maintaining that top ranking and getting a high seed in March. And then doing something with it...
By Paul M. Banks,
December 23, 2012 at 8:00 am • 
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Illinois finally loses; 82-73 to Missouri in St. Louis

Illinois finally loses; 82-73 to Missouri in St. Louis
Before we get to the breakdown of what happened in the Illinois Fighting Illini first loss, (Illinois was one of the last 6 unbeaten teams remaining in the nation) suffered at the hands of the Missouri Tigers 82-73, a few observations and notes on this series and rivalry overall, with updated stats. -Why is this even called the Braggin’ Rights game? I mean seriously, how many of you Illini people actually have Mizzou people to tell how much they suck? (after Illinois wins of course) -Why does this arena have a NBA three-point line on the floor? There hasn’t been a NBA team in St. Louis since 1965? (And why were Brandon Paul and company bombing away from that spot so much...
By Paul M. Banks,
December 22, 2012 at 7:44 pm • 

'13 Illini hoops recruiting class gets even better

'13 Illini hoops recruiting class gets even better
The Tim Beckman hire is such a disaster that it requires FEMA aid, but so far the entrance of John Groce may be alright. It looks like this guy can really recruit. Monday afternoon Austin Colbert, a four-star center from Gill St. Bernards in New Jersey, announced his commitment to the Illini. He did it through Twitter; which is of course the new AP. Get ready “cuz this is the Colbert Report.” Expect a ton of Stephen Colbert jokes over the next four years...
By Paul M. Banks,
November 13, 2012 at 10:20 am • 

Illini offer special opening night tribute to John Groce

Illini offer special opening night tribute to John Groce
Illinois tips off the 2012-13 season on Friday, hosting Colgate at 7 p.m. at the Assembly Hall. In addition to being the season opener, it also marks the debut for new Fighting Illini head coach John Groce.   To recognize Coach Groce’s inaugural game, the Orange Krush student section encourages everyone in attendance to join... Read more »
By Paul M. Banks,
November 7, 2012 at 6:17 pm • 
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Illinois Fighting Illini have new marketing slogan

Illinois Fighting Illini have new marketing slogan
“ILLINOIS. OUR STATE. OUR TEAM.” will be displayed within advertising and marketing campaigns around the state. The Illini will probably no longer be taking shots at Northwestern and their “Chicago’s Big Ten Team” slogan. Hopefully, that nonsense is over with the new Illinois re-brand...
By Paul M. Banks,
August 4, 2012 at 12:45 pm • 

Illini Blown out at Home 31-14 by Michigan Wolverines

Illini Blown out at Home 31-14 by Michigan Wolverines
Today, Illinois wide receiver A.J. Jenkins had 103 yards receiving, the fifth time that he has hit the C-Note this season. He’s now tied for fourth all time in school history for 100 yard games; in both a season and career. But you wouldn’t guess that from watching how the offense played today. Overall, that... Read more »
By Paul M. Banks,
November 12, 2011 at 7:19 pm • 

Northwestern in Season Defining Game vs Michigan Tonight

Northwestern in Season Defining Game vs Michigan Tonight
Four games into the season, it’s difficult to describe a game as must-win, particularly when you’re talking about Northwestern, and especially when the opponent is #12 Michigan. The Wolverines are 5-0 on the season, and have impressed thus far. The ‘Cats on the other hand, are in a two-losses-in-a-row slippery slope. Lose to Michigan, and... Read more »
By Paul M. Banks,
October 8, 2011 at 1:14 pm • 
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Illini QB Scheelhaase or Badger RB White: Who's Big 10 Frosh of the Year?

Four weeks ago, The Sports Bank’s founder and senior writer Paul Banks named Illini freshman QB Nathan Scheelhaase the most likely candidate to win 2010 Freshman of the Year. Deservedly so, as Scheelhaase grabbed Big Ten Offensive Player and Freshman of the week after a magnificent win over Purdue where he went for 118 on... Read more »
By Paul M. Banks,
November 29, 2010 at 1:44 pm •