Basketball

Brad Sturdy, Co-Host Sports Spectacular & Big Sports Radio

December 10, 2023

The Illini lost on the road to a very good Tennessee team that desperately needed a top win after losing close games to Purdue and Kansas and they came out hot and ready on Saturday in an 86-79 win over Illinois. Dalton Knecht looked like an NBA draft pick, showing off his game in this one, but Tennessee put all 5 starters in double figures as they pulled away late for the win.

Here’s a look at what we saw.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kxLW6h4-Hs    

By IlliniGuys Staff December 9, 2023 (Cover photo courtesy […]

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

December 9, 2023

This past spring Illinois basketball fans waited and waited to see who was going to be the floor general this year, all the while social media and message boards thought they had the answer.

By Brad Sturdy - IlliniGuys Insider/Analyst; Co-Host, IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular

December 9, 2023

(Cover phot courtesy Illinois Athletics)

The song goes ‘Headed East to Tennessee: Destination Fame’, and the Illini are looking for even more after a pair of huge wins last week at Rutgers and over Florida Atlantic at Madison Square Garden. But the Vols will be the biggest test of all. Tennessee is a battle tested group with high level athletes that plays some of the best defense in the country. The Illini will need a great effort in this one to get the win. 

Setting the Stage

#20/18 Illinois (7-1) at #17/13 Tennessee (5-3) 

Dec. 9, 2023 // 11 a.m. CT (12 p.m. ET) // Knoxville, Tenn. // Food City Center 

TV: CBS – Rich Waltz (Play-by-Play), Bill Raftery & Jay Wright (Analysts), Jon Rothstein (Sideline) 

Radio: Busey Bank Illini Sports Network – Brian Barnhart (Play-By-Play), Deon Thomas (Analyst)

Notable

"Illinois deserves all the credit for allowing Terrence to showcase his skills." – Treanette Redding

By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys.com Director of Recruiting

Dec. 7, 2023

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

"Illinois deserves all the credit for allowing Terrence to showcase his skills." –Treanette Redding

Last Saturday at Jersey Mike's Arena in Piscataway, New Jersey, my IlliniGuys colleague Brad Sturdy informed our subscribers of at least five NBA teams in attendance watching senior Terrence Shannon Jr. and Coleman Hawkins.  That got my wheels spinning and got me digging more into what is possibly to happen for Shannon specifically.   

Of the NBA's 30 teams, 28 of them were in attendance Tuesday night

As Illinois approaches the Big Ten Conference opener this weekend against Michigan, Illinois head coach Shauna Green still has concerns about her team on the defensive end. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

December 6, 2023

CHAMPAIGN — The idea that Northern Kentucky had trouble finding any perimeter success Wednesday night did not make Illinois’ second-year head coach feel satisfied in the final tune-up before Big Ten Conference play. 

Mike Cagley, Co-Host Sports Spectacular and Big Sports Radio […]

By Brad Sturdy - IlliniGuys Insider/Analyst; Co-Host, IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular

December 6, 2023

(Cover photo courtesy Peyton Sturdy)

The Illini got 33 points each from Marcus Domask and Terrence Shannon as they beat #11 FAU in a shootout at the Garden as a part of the Jimmy V Classic 98-89.  Domask scored 25 points and Shannon 24 in the 2nd half as Illinois turned a 3-point halftime deficit into an 11-point lead with 8:33 to play en route to the 9-point win. 

The Illini are now 7-1 and have that signature non-conference win over a team that was 35-4 a year ago and reached the Final Four. Here’s a look at what we saw. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmD1D0MIZFA    

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer December 5, 2023 NEW […]

Brad Sturdy, Co-Host Sports Spectacular & Big Sports Radio and Resident Illini-Uber Insider on the Illini Sports Beat

December 5, 2023

Brad Sturdy has been covering the Illini for decades. When it comes to talking to NBA Scouts and people around the country who are the movers and shakers in college basketball, few local team reporters have the depth and breadth of contacts that Brad has. 

Today is one of those days that we can highlight an example of the "nuggets" that Brad regularly provides to the subscribers of IlliniGuys.com back on our message boards. 

Don't miss what's coming this basketball season - subscribe now and get the free sweatshirt as part of our Black Friday promotion. 

What Sturdy's hearing in the Big Apple 

Brad Sturdy, Co-Host Sports Spectacular and Big Sports Radio

December 5, 2023

After a huge win over Rutgers on Saturday the Illini are back in action on Tuesday night against the Florida Atlantic Owls. The Owls return virtually everyone from a Final Four team a year ago and will be a significant test for the stellar Illinois defense. As part of the Jimmy V Classic, this game at Madison Square Garden is a chance for Illinois to make a statement on the national stage. 

Here’s a look at the particulars. 

Brad Sturdy, Co-Host Sports Spectacular and Big Sports Radio

December 3, 2023

The Illini dominated Rutgers at the RAC 76-58 on Saturday behind a tremendous performance from Terrence Shannon, who had 23 points 10 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks as they moved to 6-1 and 1-0 in Big Ten play as they began their road trip. The return of Coleman Hawkins solidified the defense as Illinois held Rutgers to 33% shooting and stifled the interior game of the Scarlet Knights. 

Marcus Domask added 13 points to help Shannon and the Illini also dominated the glass, doubling up Rutgers 55-27 and grabbing 19 offensive rebounds. Defense and rebounding is a great recipe for success in the Big Ten and nationally and the Illini had it on full display Saturday. 

These 3 Things (Plus a Bonus Thing)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVaV27VzjV4