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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. 

 Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

December 5, 2023

The Illinois football staff appears to be locked in with Tyrane Stewart, a cornerback from Magnolia, Mississippi. Now the 6-foot-1, 180-pound cornerback attends East Mississippi C.C. and received an offer from Illinois last week.

By Steve Sturm - IlliniGuys Football Analyst

December 4, 2023

(Cover photo courtesy Yale Athletics)

Its no surprise that Illinois was going to go after mature and experienced players to make up for the loss of Jer'Zhan Newton, Keith Randolph and Denzel Daxon, their starting three defensive lineman from last year.  However, I have to say I was surprised to see the commitment from Yale lineman Clay Patterson to Illinois just as the conference championship games were starting and the college football playoff match-ups weren't even set.  Patterson reported offers from several high major schools after only a few days in the transfer portal, and more would likely have been on the way had he waited for more interest.  So, this is a big get for Illinois both literally for the 6'3, 290 pounder and figuratively given the state of the defensive line depth chart.

What does he bring to the Orange and Blue?

Patterson's best asset is his pass rushing ability, and though he's a bigger guy, I have to say

Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys & Big Sports Radio National Football Recruiting Expert

December 4, 2023

(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)

In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at the most recent commitment (a huge one) and name a few key portal targets that may not be sexy but will certainly help.

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)

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

December 3, 2023

The NCAA Transfer Portal might become Illinois head coach Bret Bielema's best friend this offseason. He made his feelings known about the portal and how it is run but will use it when it is needed; it appears this coming year several positions are key. 

Here is the list of transfers the IlliniGuys can confirm that offers have been made or that players have reached out to the staff showing their interest in the program. 

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

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

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting December 2, 2023 […]

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

December 2, 2023

Illinois prep Jack Anderson had an unofficial visit to Illinois last weekend. According to Anderson, it was everything he thought it would be.

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.