Illini Basketball

Smile Politely had its most intrepid reporter out in Manhattan and Chicago this past weekend for nationally televised Illini men’s basketball and football. We took pictures. Lots of them.

The Illini lost its first game last night to a young, but very tough, Texas Longhorns team. But that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. More on the future, and an interview with Evan Turner, inside.

Rob promises to find it in himself to have a little pity for the SIU Salukis … as soon as he stops laughing.

In its second game of the year, the Illini put the hurt on a Toledo Rockets team that is currently only playing five scholarships. That plus solid games from the seniors spell victory.

After a rocky start in exhibition, the Illini took to the hardwood for the start of the regular season against Cal-Irvine. Last night, they looked more like the pre-season #16 ranked team in the nation.

If what you were expecting was a Big Ten title caliber team right away, it’s not what you are going to get. Have no fear, states Rob — it’s just getting started.

The Illini began its season with a sloppy game against Lewis University, and the second time in three years, it was a battle.

In their first public scrimmage of the season, the Illini showed the 6,000+ fans why about 10,000 more will be showing up come mid-November. The report and more pics inside.

The annual Orange and Blue scrimmage is tomorrow, and with the team ranked at #16 to start the season, it’s time to get excited, officially.