Basketball

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    

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer December 2, 2023 Piscataway, […]

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

December 2, 2023

Big Ten Opener

It’s Big Ten season, or at least the first leg of the December portion of Big Ten season and the Illini are on the road again. The Illini haven’t left the friendly confines of the State Farm Center but will now head to New Jersey and the RAC for a showdown with a tough and physical Rutgers squad featuring All Conference performer Clif Omoruyi. It’s never easy on the road in the Big Ten but the Illini are in need of a quick start to the Big Ten season and a signature win in early December before a difficult week. 

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

December 1, 2023

Illinois men's assistant basketball coach Chester Frazier is at it again. Frazier is money when it comes to trusting his eye for talent.

Illinois junior wing Adalia McKenzie provided a season-high 20 points but more importantly, shut down Central Connecticut State’s leading scorer in a blowout win.

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

November 29, 2023

CHAMPAIGN — Maybe Wednesday night was just set up to be an Adalia McKenzie special. 

Buffalo native Gretchen Dolan posts a career-high 11 points […]

By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys.com Director of Recruiting

November 26, 2023

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

Today, Shauna Green's Fighting Illini return to action vs. her alma mater Canisius with some special guests in the house. 

Potential McDonald's All-American candidate Berry Wallace of Pickerington Central High School in Ohio and 6-foot-6 center Hayven Smith from Lincoln-Way East are both signed to play for Illinois next year and will make the trip for this afternoon's game.

The other visitor who will be in attendance is Anthony Kyle, the trainer for top 10 recruit Divine Bourrage from Davenport, Iowa.

By IlliniGuys Staff November 24, 2023 (Cover photo courtesy […]

IlliniGuys Staff November 24, 2023 ILLINOIS (4-1) vs. Western […]