Sturdy's Insider Notes - Nov. 1st
November 1, 2021
IlliniGuys Insider Brad Sturdy tips off the week with some notes from basketball practice, including some good news on Austin Hutcherson.
Recruiting: Why Does THIS Picture Have Illini Nation Buzzing?
By Larry Smith - IlliniiGuys.com
October 31, 2021
I wish I had the time and space to tell you what a rewarding experience IlliniGuys has been in the almost 14 months since Mike and I said ‘what if…’ Yes, there are trying moments and too little free time, but it has been such a thrill to reconnect with old friends and make new ones…all linked by our common passion that is Fighting Illini sports.
As you might imagine, my sports bucket list is pretty short. I’ve been to Wrigley and Fenway and old Yankee Stadium, the Rose Bowl, Augusta National, and Panathenaic (1896 Olympics) Stadium in Greece. The fall of the Curse of the Bambino. Phelps’ eight Olympic gold medals. Two of Brady’s Super Bowl wins. Private conversations with Tiger after winning majors. Life has been good.
But there is one thing missing: an Illinois NCAA basketball championship. While Brad, Kedric, Matt, and others have a front row seat, I’m sort of in the owner’s box for this go-round; always trying to get them (and you) what’s needed and now privy to the most inside of information. I firmly believe Illinois has their best shot at that elusive title since the magical 2005 run and it’s exciting to watch it unfold up close and to see Brad Underwood build this program into one of the nation’s best.
Which brings me to this picture, the role IlliniGuys played in making it happen, and why it has created such an instant buzz. Surprisingly, some have even questioned its validity.
Mike Cagley's Heat Checks and Hail Marys - Hoops & Gridiron Double Edition - Rutgers Defeat and IUP Exhibition Win
Mike Cagley, IlliniGuy October 31, 2021 Heat Checks Coach […]
Another Scarlet Letter: Illini Physically Dominated in Deflating Loss to Rutgers
Illinois was physically dominated by Rutgers team that came […]
Illini offense disappears as Rutgers steals 20-14 victory
IlliniGuys.com Staff October 30, 2021 CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - A […]
Andre Curbelo Roller Coaster Ride Includes Highlight Moments & Disappointing Lows
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Fans got to see the good, the bad and the ugly from Andre Curbelo.
Following his second and final exhibition game, the Illini sophomore point guard showcased just about everything but the consistency you’re hoping for from a potential All-Big Ten preseason selection.
It didn’t take long for Curbelo’s head coach to suggest how unimpressed he was with his lead guard.
“It wasn’t his best performance, let’s just put that way,” Underwood said in his post-game media conference.
Curbelo was not made available to media following Friday night’s final exhibition game of the Illini’s preseason.
In the 94-79 victory over Division II Indiana University of Pennsylvania, the good for Curbelo was the fact he was forced to play 34 minutes of duty and showed a confidence with the basketball...
Sturdy's Three Takeaways -- Illini defeat Indiana (Pa.) in exhibition
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The Illini weren’t sharp in their 2nd exhibition game, and despite scoring 94 points, they won by only 15 over a good Indiana University of Pennsylvania team. Illinois got 21 points from Kofi Cockburn and 16 from Coleman Hawkins and Alfonso Plummer while playing without Austin Huctherson, DaMonte Williams and Trent Frazier. Here’s a look at a few observations from the win.
Illini flex their depth in final exhibition win
IlliniGuys.com Staff October 29, 2021 CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Preseason […]
Illini Championship Ring Ceremony Includes Triumphant Return by Ayo Dosunmu
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- More importantly than receiving his 2021 Big Ten Tournament championship ring, Ayo Dosunmu received something he never got at home in his final season at Illinois - a standing ovation.
The 2021 consensus All-America selection, who is beginning his rookie season with the Chicago Bulls, was greeted with the familiar roar from the State Farm Center crowd after the first media timeout given to its star players.
With a nod to the most wins in the Big Ten regular season, Illini hang their conference tourney title banner
IlliniGuys.com Staff October 29, 2021 It's the scene not […]
Rutgers-Illinois Game Preview
In 2019, Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano was the boss of Illinois head coach Bret Bielema for just a little more than two months with the NFL’s New England Patriots.
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
October 30, 2021
Game Preview: Rutgers at Illinois
Date/Time/Place: Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021: 11 a.m. CST, Memorial Stadium
Surface: Field Turf
Capacity: 60,670
Records: Illinois 3-5, 2-3 in Big Ten in 2021; 2-6 in 2020; Rutgers 3-4, 0-4 in Big Ten in 2021; 3-6 in 2020.
Betting Line: Rutgers by 1.5
Series notes: Illinois leads the all-time series 5-2, including 4-1 since Rutgers joined the Big Ten. The Illini have beaten Rutgers three straight times and are 2-1 against Rutgers in Champaign.
TV: BTN; Jeff Levering (play-by-play), Anthony Herron (analyst), and Elise Menaker (reporter).
Radio (Illinois): Brian Barnhart (PBP), Martin O'Donnell (analysis) & Steve Kelly (Pre/HT/Post) » The broadcast can be heard live on TuneIn online radio, Sirius/ XM satellite radio & SiriusXM Internet and at FightingIllini.com.
IlliniGuys - Illini vs Rutgers Predictions
The Illini had an off-week after the 24-0 thrashing […]
Can Illinois win the Ty Rodgers recruiting battle?
Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
Oct. 28, 2021
Just when Illinois appears to have a lock on a recruit, or the "lead" on a basketball recruit, here comes Duke or Michigan State.
Illini, All-American Cockburn Await Word From NCAA On Eligibility
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- With less than 12 days until Illinois opens the 2021-22 season at State Farm Center against Jackson State, uncertainty remains about whether they’ll have their All-American center in uniform.
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood confirmed in a media conference that the eligibility status...
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