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A 12-2 deficit resulting in another opening game loss to a power program has Illinois head coach Dan Hartleb searching for answers. 

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Staff Writer

March 31, 202e

(Photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- At this point, Illinois head coach Dan Hartleb could likely not possibly care less about the school’s all-time wins record but can’t wait for his team to be more competitive.

For what is arguably the fifth time this season, the Illini dug themselves a massive hole against a power program early in the game that it could make its way out of in the later innings. A 12-9 defeat to Michigan on Friday night represents what Hartleb would consider uncompetitive losses in the first game against high quality competition. In losses at No. 2 Wake Forest, Coastal Carolina, Nebraska and now the Wolverines in the first game against them in either a weekend tournament or series, Illinois has been outscored 44-22. 

Brad Sturdy, Co-Host IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular

March 31, 2023

Lots going on behind the scenes and much will have to happen before this all plays out. Stay tuned, but here's what I know as of now:

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

March 31, 2023

Is this not a fun time of the year? Just think how everyone was excited about the first game last October, and now the NCAA Transfer portal is in rare form.

Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys National Football Recruiting Expert

March 31, 2023

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

A few notes in the Farrell Files Illinois including some big visits.

By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys.com Director of Recruiting March […]

Illinois’ new outside linebacker coach spent 11 years of experience in the National Football League training pass rushers and he inherits a position room with arguably the potential. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

March 30, 2023

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- The position of outside linebacker is the position on defense at the University of Illinois that is not a one size, one skill fits all situation

Mike Cagley, Co-Host IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular March 29, 2023 […]

Illinois head coach Shauna Green will now have to […]

Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys National Football Recruiting Expert

March 29, 2023

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

Illinois forward Coleman Hawkins has announced he will test his viability in the 2023 NBA Draft process but will not sign with an agent in order to maintain his college eligibility. 

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Staff Writer

March 28, 2023

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Coleman Hawkins feels it is time to test his viability for the 2023 NBA Draft. 

The Illinois forward, who just finished his third season in the Illini program, announced on social media Tuesday afternoon his intention to explore the possibility of entering the draft process following a 2022-23 season where he averaged 9.9 points per game, 6.3 rebounds per game, three assists per game and shot 44 percent from the field. 

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys & IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular Director of Recruiting

March 27, 2023

Illinois guard Jayden Epps was expected to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

March 28, 2023

(Cover photo courtesy Matt Stevens/IlliniGuys)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Good morning and welcome to the fourth of 15 allotted spring football practices for the University of Illinois program as we are still months away from the third year of the tenure of Illini head coach Bret Bielema. 

It was approximately a 30 to 35-minute viewing period of the second day in full pads but the first practice session for the Illini since Saturday afternoon. Therefore, I wanted use this opportunity to focus on the defensive side of the ball and special teams so here are a few quick notes:

By IlliniGuys Staff

March 27. 2023

(NOTE: Illini sophomore guard Adalia McKenzie has been a contributing member of the IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular show team since January, 2022.)

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

Larry Smith: Good to talk with you. You've had a little bit of time now to process that NCAA opening round loss that capped just a tremendous and historic season.  Give us your thoughts.

Adalia McKenzie: Yeah, it sucks that we lost, you know, I feel like I still even haven't processed it yet. And I've been sad and hurt just a lot of mixed emotions. But I'm really proud about the season that we have, and really like how to turn it around in the program.

By Larry Smith - IlliniGuys Staff

March 27, 2023

(Cover photo courtesy ESPN)

Put your tattered brackets away and clear your mind for a moment as I ask you this one question:

Isn't this awesome?!

Yeah, I know you may have had Kansas repeating as champion or Alabama going all the way.  Maybe Houston in another Final Four or Purdue making the final weekend for the first time in decades.

But none of that happened, so get over it.  Instead, we all bore witness to a daily reminder of why this is the greatest tournament in sports.  There is no other event with the drama, the uncertainty, the thrills, and the classic moments like the NCAA men's basketball tournament.

Florida Atlantic vs. San Diego State.  Miami vs. UConn.  A most unusual quartet that seems destined to deliver a classic weekend in Houston in a few days.

Brad Sturdy, Co-Host IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular

March 27, 2023

(Cover photo courtesy Georgetown University Athletics)

As the college basketball season enters its final week, nearly every team is already hip-deep into the offseason and the decision-making required to transition into next fall.