Illini Basketball

With the Big Ten POY on the sidelines with a sprained ankle, the Illini capitalized on the handicap and took home their biggest win in five years. That and more, inside…

The Illini escaped yet again through the heroics of Demetri McCamey and despite another fine performance from Champaign product, Verdell Jones III. More inside…

If only Bruce Weber could find a leader, his Illini might be able to pull out a few victories in close games. Who on earth could that leader be?

Part of winning in college basketball is knowing when to change up your players to find the best combo for the court.

While Smile Politely commemorates MLK Jr. today, McColley fills you in on the Illini’s loss to Sparty over the weekend. Interviews with Mateen Cleaves and Tyler Griffey within.

With an unblemished Big Ten record, the Illini head into arguably the toughest game of their season thus far. Did Jerrance Howard’s scouting report take? Find out today at 2:30 p.m. CST.

Who have been the best performers of the last 25 years? Our crack staff puts their minds to this timely question.

The Illini are 4–0 in the Big Ten after narrowly escaping from cellar dweller Penn State on its home court. What comes next, is anybody’s guess.

Penn State comes through Assembly Hall tonight, which seems like the perfect moment for Rob McColley to justify his existence on Smile Politely. Read on!