Bezhanishvili looks to improve teamwork with Cockburn
By Miles Powers-Huang, Staff Writer
December 5, 2019
Taking advantage of immobile centers that couldn’t contest his jump shots was a luxury Illini sophomore Giorgi Bezhanishvili abused last season. However, with the arrival of highly touted freshman center Kofi Cockburn this season, Bezhanishvili is now playing power forward, matched up against more mobi...
Illinois drops nail-biter to Miami in ACC/Big Ten Challenge at home
By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer
December 2, 2019
Illinois men’s basketball battled back from a 27-point deficit against Miami on Monday night, only to fall by two points, 81-79. The Illini (6-2) hosted the Hurricanes (5-3) in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge hoping to end their give-game homestand on a win; instead, Illinois was dismantled ...
Cockburn sweeps Big Ten weekly accolades after Illinois’ victory over Lindenwood
November 28, 2019
Freshman center Kofi Cockburn spent the first half of Illinois' game against Lindenwood Tuesday night trying to adjust to the small size of the Lions and their speed. Cockburn didn’t start Tuesday's matchup in his normal flashy fashion. He capitalized on a missed jumper and passed to senior Andrès ...
Illinois dominates Lindenwood 117-65 to earn fourth-straight win
By Nathan DeHaan, Staff Writer
November 26, 2019
After a resounding win last Saturday, the Illinois men’s basketball team got back in the win column Tuesday night against Division II opponent Lindenwood at the State Farm Center. Illinois started with a strong first half that included a 21-0 run and never looked back, winning in dominant fashion 1...
Illinois outplays Hampton 120-71 at home
By Nathan DeHaan, On-Air Editor for Sports
November 23, 2019
The Illini have struggled to find their rhythm offensively in the first half, but not Saturday night. In the first 10 minutes, the Illini jumped out to a 30-12 lead. By the end of the first half, the ending was not in question as Illinois cruised to a 120-71 victory over Hampton. The Illini improve t...
Cockburn leads Illinois past the Citadel with fourth double-double of the season
By Tatiania Perry, Staff Writer
November 21, 2019
Freshman center Kofi Cockburn secured his fourth double-double in five games during Illinois' 85-57 victory over the Citadel Wednesday night. Cockburn recorded 10 rebounds in the first 10:34 of the game and finished the half with eight points and 11 boards, aiding Illinois in its 34-20 lead at the half...
Frazier embraces defensive role
By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer
November 20, 2019
In a season that could push Illinois men’s basketball past its seven-year NCAA tournament drought, pressure, especially on the veterans, is higher than ever before. For junior Trent Frazier, the expectations to be a top-scorer for the Illini will always loom over his head. Known for his ability to ...
Illinois defeats Hawaii 66-53 at home Monday
By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer
November 18, 2019
After a week-long break, the Illinois men’s basketball team hosted Hawaii to begin its five-game nonconference homestand on Monday. A slow offensive start stalled both teams, but the Illini broke away in the second half to beat the Rainbow Warriors 66-53. Freshman Kofi Cockburn had another dominant...
Illinois men’s basketball looks ahead to Hawaii
By Miles Powers-Huang, Staff Writer
November 18, 2019
After getting blitzed in the second half last Sunday at Arizona, Illinois is looking to bounce back following a week off. The Illini are adjusting to the presence of two big men on the court, and sophomore Giorgi Bezhanishvili is still trying to find his rhythm. Illinois’ struggles thus far stem from t...
WPGU’s Illini Drive: Staff talks about Illini basketball, bowl game eligibility, and “State of the NFL” address
By Jason Ligget, Producer
November 14, 2019
The Illini Drive crew talks about Illinois football earning a bowl game berth for the first time since 2014 along with commentary about Illini men's basketball, and reactions from the "State of the NFL" address....
Cockburn, Feliz big scorers on starting lineup
By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer
November 14, 2019
Senior Andres Feliz and freshman Kofi Cockburn are relatively new additions to the Illinois men’s basketball starting lineup. While Feliz started in four games last season, his main role was the sixth man. Freshman Cockburn has assumed the starting center position in Illinois’ first three games. ...
Dossey family pledges $5 million donation to Ubben renovations
By JJ Kim, Assistant Sports Editor
November 12, 2019
Illinois Athletics announced the family of John and Anne Dossey has pledged a $5 million donation to help finance the expansion of the Richard T. Ubben Basketball Complex. With this donation, there is now $8 million allocated to the renovations. The gift, pledged in the names of John and Anne Dossey’s paren...
