Basketball

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

January 4, 2023

For the past three years, the Illinois basketball program has been keeping a close eye on 2024 center James Brown from St. Rita High School.

NR/#24 Illinois (9-4, 0-2) at Northwestern (10-3, 1-1)

Jan. 4, 2023 // 8 p.m. CT // Evanston, Ill. // Welsh-Ryan Arena

TV: BTN – Brandon Gaudin (Play-by-Play), Robbie Hummel

Radio: Busey Bank Illini Sports Network – Brian Barnhart (Play-By-Play), Doug Altenberger // SiriusXM 109/195, SXM App 957

Illinois starts off 2023 on the road, resuming Big Ten play Wednesday night at Northwestern (8 p.m. CT, BTN). This begins a stretch of six games in 15 days for the Illini, with two-day preps for each of the next six games.

Illinois has won eight straight against Northwestern in a series that has featured many close games as of late, with nine of the last 10 decided by single digits, including six by five points or less. Illinois’ current eight-game winning streak is its longest over the Wildcats since winning 11 straight from Feb. 28, 2004-Dec. 30, 2009. Illinois’ three-game winning streak in Evanston, meanwhile, is its longest since winning four in a row at WelshRyan Arena from Jan. 15, 2005-Feb. 12, 2009.

Illinois is the only team in the country with two KenPom top-10 wins (No. 4 UCLA and No. 6 Texas).

Matthew Mayer enters the Northwestern game just 11 points away from scoring 1,000 for his career (989). Mayer has scored at least 14 points in four of the last five games, with two 21-point outings. He is averaging 15.8 ppg over this stretch, shooting 53.7% from the field (29-54) and 45.5% from three (15-33).

Terrence Shannon Jr. ranks third in the Big Ten in scoring, averaging 17.8 ppg. Shannon is one of four power conference players averaging at least 17 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal per game (Jalen Wilson-Kansas, Keyontae Johnson-Kansas State & Jaime Jaquez-UCLA). Shannon is second in the B1G in both free throws made (66) and attempted (85). Shannon leads the Big Ten with 11 games of 13+ points, and is fourth in the B1G with four 20+ point games. After scoring a season-low four points vs. Penn State on Dec. 10, Shannon is averaging 17.7 points over the last three games (53). Shannon did not shoot a free throw against the Nittany Lions, but has since averaged 7.3 points at the foul line over the last three games (22-28).

Dain Dainja is coming off a career-high 22-point performance vs. Bethune Cookman last Thursday, his first time scoring in double figures in nine games. Dainja ranks 13th nationally in 2-point field goal percentage at 74.7% (59-79). Dainja has made at least 60% from the field in 11 of 13 games.

Coleman Hawkins is one of three players nationally averaging at least nine points, six rebounds, three assists and one steal (Drew Timme-Gonzaga & Jalen Slawson-Furman).

Freshman Jayden Epps has 22 points the last two games (11.0 ppg) after totaling 21 points the previous four games (5.3 ppg). Fellow freshman Sencire Harris has 20 points over the last two games (10.0 ppg) after combining for just nine points the previous five games (1.8 ppg).

Illinois is a balanced offensive team, with seven players averaging at least seven points. Illinois has had five players record a 20-point game this season, and eight players reach double figures scoring. Five different players have been Illinois’ leading scorer in a game, while seven different players have been the UI’s top rebounder in a game.

Northwestern will look to open conference play 2-1 for just the third time in the last 17 seasons: 2005-06 (2-1) and 2020-21 (3-0). Illinois has a 144-42 advantage in the all-time series. Head coach Chris Collins is 4-12 in his career against Illinois.

By IlliniGuys Staff January 1, 2023 (Cover photo courtesy […]

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

January 6, 2023

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

No one within or surrounding the Illini basketball program thought the Orange and Blue career of Skyy Clark would last four years.  It turns out, it may not even last four months.

In a shocking development, the former five-star Skyy Clark has decided to take a break from the Illinois program after one semester and just 13 games. Clark was given the keys to drive the team, but lost his starting job to fellow freshman Sencire Harris as head coach Brad Underwood shook up his lineup and wanted to promote Harris' tenacity on defense.

By Larry Smith/IlliniGuys Staff

January 1, 2023

(Cover photo courtesy Joe Clark/IlliniGuys)

The month of December couldn't have been more inconsistent for Fighting Illini basketball. 

Struggle in their first true road game at Maryland.  Whip a powerhouse Texas team in overtime in New York City three nights later in a primetime marquee matchup.

Fall flat at home against Penn State.  Record a 21-point win over Alabama A&M after exam week.  Get an historic punch in the mouth against Missouri.

The roller coaster left Illini Nation feeling queasy around Christmas weekend and perhaps unsure if they wanted to open any gifts in orange and blue wrapping under the tree.  But Illini coach Brad Underwood never hesitated.

By Brad Sturdy - IlliniGuys Insider/Analyst

December 30, 2022

The Illini completed their non-conference schedule with an 85-52 pasting of Bethune-Cookman, righting the ship a bit after the debacle against Missouri a week ago. Although the competition was less than stellar, this was an opportunity to see what tweaks Brad Underwood was able to make as the Illini head into Big Ten Conference play. 

Here’s what we saw:

By IlliniGuys Staff December 29, 2022 (Cover photo courtesy […]

By IlliniGuys Staff December 29, 2022 (Cover photo courtesy […]

The Illini going through a recent rough patch is what the team ultimately needs to have a successful tournament run.

Zain Bando, IlliniGuys Correspondent

December 29, 2022

It could be worse, right?

Mike Cagley, Co-Host IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular December 27, 2022 […]

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For the first time in over four years, Illinois gave up 50 points in a first half and the effort in the first 20 minutes led to Missouri biggest Braggin’ Rights win ever. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

December 23, 2022

ST. LOUIS -- During a stoppage of play in the second half that lasted no more than two minutes of real time, Illinois head coach Brad Underwood went through practically every stage of grief. 

By IlliniGuys Staff December 22, 2022 (Cover photo courtesy […]

Zain Bando, IlliniGuys Correspondent

December 22, 2022

The Illini railed around one another to nail down a 68-47 win against Alabama A&M to regain a level of consistency Saturday.

Brad Sturdy, Co-Host IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular December 22, 2022 […]