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The loss of Makira Cook and Gretchen Dolan puts extreme stress on this Illini coaching staff attempting to find what works offensively without two high-level scorers.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Staff Writer

January 8, 2025

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The latest injury news surrounding the Illini’s women’s basketball program has all but eliminated the easy button of Shauna Green’s offense.

When Makira Cook and Gretchen Dolan were healthy and in the Illinois playing rotation, the plan to stop any scoring lull throughout a game or any, late-clock or late-game situations was more simple than you might assume from a power four conference program. Green was just fine with getting Cook, an All-Big Ten selection at lead guard, a ball screen to get the 5-foot-6 scorer downhill toward the front of the rim. During an injury-plagued 2023-24 season, the main reason for Illinois’ run to the first annual WBIT championship was a fully healthy Cook being able to make what might like like little to no cohesion into two or three points with the basketball in her hands.

Illinois guards Makira Cook and Gretchen Dolan will not […]

By Brad Sturdy - IlliniGuys Insider/Analyst & Co-Host, IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular

January 8, 2025

The Illini are back home for a Wednesday night battle with the Penn State Nittany Lions. PSU sits at 12-3 and have presented problems for Illinois over the years, with Illinois losing 4 in a row in this matchup, including a colossal meltdown a year ago. Now the new look Illinois are as hot as ever, winning 4 in a row including an historic beat down of Oregon, and look to come home for a pair of Big Ten wins.

Let’s look at the matchup.

Setting the Stage

#13ap/15 Illinois (11-3, 3-1) vs. Penn State (12-3, 2-2)
Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 // 8 p.m. CT // Champaign, Ill. // State Farm Center
TV: BTN – Jeff Levering (Play-by-Play), Shon Morris (Analyst), & Andy Katz (Sideline)
Radio: Busey Bank Illini Sports Network – Brian Barnhart (Play-By-Play), Deon Thomas

Meet the Lions

*Penn State is 12-3 on the season, 2-2 in Big Ten play, and heads to #13 Illinois Wednesday night for the first of three-straight matchups vs. top-20 teams.

January 8, 2025

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

2024 was one of the best years in Illini football history. A team that even the most optimistic fan thought might break even and win as many games as they would lose exceeded all expectations, taking advantage of marquee appearances on national TV, and setting up the program for what could be an unprecedented 2025...double-digit wins in consecutive years for the first time and a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Let's take a look back:

(From Illinois Sports Information Office) Wooden Award Website CHAMPAIGN, […]

By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

January 7, 2025

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Illinois basketball team has a roster filled with potential NBA draft prospects this season; guard Kasparas Jakucionis, center Tomislav Ivisic, wing Ben Humrichous, and standout freshman guard Will Riley.

By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

January 7, 2025

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Recruiting at the Division I level often depends on rankings, scouting reports, and offers from other programs. However, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema takes a different approach—one rooted in hard work, personal evaluations, and a hands-on recruiting philosophy.

Bielema, known for his "Tough, Smart, Dependable" (TSD) approach within his program, emphasizes old-school methods over analytics and external opinions. Unlike many head coaches who delegate recruiting trips to assistants, Bielema personally evaluates potential players.

Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst

December 7, 2024

Lost among all the news of Illinois players transferring to Champaign or returning for another year in 2025 was the second orange and blue commit of 2026: Edge rusher Kingston Shaw of Apopka (Florida).

(From Illinois Sports Information Office) CHAMPAIGN, Ill.– Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis is […]

Illinois outside linebacker/pass rusher Gabe Jacas has decided to […]

By Brad Sturdy - IlliniGuys Insider/Analyst & Co-Host, IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular

January 6, 2025

The Illini struggled at times coming off of their domination of Oregon, but they came away with the Pacific Sweep over Washington 81-77 to move to 3-1 in Big Ten play and 11-3 overall. Kasparas Jakucionis led the way with 18 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds, while Tre White had 17 and 7 and Kylan Boswell added 14, all in the second half to lead the way. Illinois led by as many as 17 points in the first half and never trailed in the game.

Here’s a look back.

These 3 Things

By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

January 6, 2025

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – During the 2024 NCAA transfer portal season, some Illinois fans grew restless as the Illini seemed to miss on key targets. But did they really?

By IlliniGuys Stafff January 5, 2025 (Cover photo courtesy […]

By IlliniGuys Staff January 5, 2025 (Cover photo courtesy […]

Illinois two-year starter and 2024 first-team All-Big Ten defensive back Xavier Scott has decided to return to the Illini for his final season of college football.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

January 5, 2025

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Xavier Scott has decided to play one season of college football with his younger brother.