Basketball

Brad Sturdy, Co-Host IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular and Big Sports Radio & Illini Uber-Insider

December 27, 2023

It’s been a while since Illinois grabbed an early commitment from a prospect like Morez Johnson, probably going back to Jereme Richmond in the class of 2010. While Richmond slid a bit in the rankings, Johnson has moved up due to some excellent play on the Nike EYBL Circuit that saw him lead the entire circuit in rebounding while helping Meanstreets into the final 8 at the Peach Jam. This was an early victory for Illinois assistant coach Tim Anderson and Brad Underwood. 

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

December 26, 2023

When the NCAA decided to change the outlook of college athletics with transfers, transfer portal, and recruiting in general, head Illinois head coach Brad Underwood set the tone for the University of Illinois.

A lot of coaches do not like the new landscape of college athletics and the direction it is going. Unfortunately, those who do not embrace the new trend may be fighting an uphill battle or looking for a new job. 

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

December 25, 2023

Illinois commit Hayven Smith is back on campus again to watch her future teammates this past week at the State Farm Center. Smith, a legitimate 6-foot-6 center with a big upside to her future, is watching more games to learn what the Illini are trying to do offensively and defensively. 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from everyone at the […]

Michigan State freshman guard and former Illini recruit Jeremy […]

Brad Sturdy, Co-Host Sports Spectacular & Big Sports Radio, Illini Uber-Insider

December 24, 2023

The Illini gave Missouri a beat down on Friday evening in a 97-73 spanking that wasn’t as close as the final score indicated. The Ilini led by 25 at the half and cruised to a dominant win that served notice. This team is for real. 

Terrence Shannon continued his quest to be a first team All-American and have his jersey in the rafters with a 30 point 11 rebound and 4 assist performance and Quincy Guerrier scored 28 points and grabbed 8 rebounds of his own as Illinois took control early and never looked back. 

Here’s what we witnessed:

Missouri head coach Dennis Gates grew up in Chicago with an appreciation for elite Illini basketball and believes he saw it again Friday night in the Illinois Braggin’ Rights blowout win. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Reporter

December 24, 2023

ST. LOUIS — While growing up on the west side of Chicago, Dennis Gates had an appreciation for watching Lou Henson’s great Illinois basketball teams of the past. 

The early plan for the Illinois offense was simple: Take the ball off the rim and run until Missouri stops them. And the Tigers rarely did in a 97-73 blowout win for the Illini. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

December 23, 2023

ST. LOUIS — Illinois took its cue on offensive pace Friday night from the original and long-standing hockey tenant of the Enterprise Center - get it and go.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyF69uXEFhY  

By IlliniGuys Staff December 22, 2023 (Cover photo courtesy […]

Illinois guard Terrence Shannon says he circled the date of his final Braggin’ Rights game immediately upon his announcement to return to college basketball this season. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

December 22, 2023

CHAMPAIGN — Terrence Shannon’s only memory of the Braggin’ Rights Game certainly isn’t a good thought. 

Brad Sturdy, Co-Host Sports Spectacular & Big Sports Radio, Illini Uber-Insider

January 22, 2023

Although the talk is always of Big Ten Championships and NCAA runs, for people who live in the St. Louis metro area there is often no bigger game than the annual McBride Homes Braggin’ Rights game each December. The Illini struggled a year ago in this game as the Tigers cruised to a win, but this Illini team appears different, and they seem to understand the importance of this game and want to have a Merry Christmas. It all starts with a win over Mizzou. 

McBride Homes Braggin’ Rights

#13/11 Illinois (8-2) vs. Missouri (7-4) 

Dec. 22, 2023 // 8 p.m. CT // St. Louis, Mo. // Enterprise Center 

TV: FS1 – Jason Ross Jr. (Play-by-Play), Robbie Hummel (Analyst) 

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

(From Illinois Sports Information Office)   WEST PALM BEACH, […]

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

December 21, 2023

Illinois assistant men's basketball coach Chester Frazier headed west to look towards the future. The class of 2025-26 preps are on full display. Illinois has been involved in the transfer portal the past few years, but high school preps still matter at Illinois. 

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys.com Director of Recruiting

December 18, 2023

Social media is one way to keep up with recruits, but the obvious place is here at IlliniGuys.com. Junior guard Jeremiah Fears is back in the limelight with his two recent X (Twitter) posts that he is planning to visit Providence and Michigan.