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The Daily Illini
The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

Brandon Simberg

Content by Brandon Simberg
Former Illini basketball player Ayo Dosunmu celebrates against Michigan State in Feb. 19 2020 in Champaign, Illinois. Ayo Dosunmu will be playing for the Chicago Bulls this 2021-2022 season.

Dosunmu showcases transition offense, on-ball defense at Las Vegas Summer League

August 22, 2021
Ayo Dosunmu looks for teammates during the game against Wisconsin at State Farm Center on Feb. 6. After being selected by the Chicago Bulls, Dosunmu will join a team with depth at the guard position.

Dosunmu stays home: Assessing Ayo’s fit with the Chicago Bulls

July 29, 2021
Kofi Cockburn is introduced during pregame lineup announcements against Wisconsin on Feb. 6. With Cockburns return, Illini fans should hope their team can make it into the second weekend of the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2005, Simberg writes.

Column | Kofi Cockburn announced his return. Now what?

July 21, 2021
Former Illinois basketball player Ayo Dosunmu stands on the basketball court watching the plays. Ayo met with NBA team during the NBA Draft Combine.

Dosunmu shows off vertical, enjoys in-person interviews at NBA Combine

June 28, 2021
Freshman Andre Curbelo dribbles the basketball down the State Farm Center court Feb. 25 against Nebraska. Curbelos top moments from this season are played back.

Andre assists: Ranking top 10 Curbelo dishes from last season

June 18, 2021
Sophomore Kofi Cockburn gets hyped up by Coach Ron Coleman Jan. 29 for their game against Iowa. While basketball is offseason, questions about the team get answered.

Hoops mailbag: DI staff writer breaks down offseason basketball questions

June 11, 2021
The Illinois basketball team celebrates a win against Iowa Jan. 29. Brad Underwood will still have some key players for the fall.

Illinois men’s basketball: Look at 14 thoughts on 14 scholarship players

May 17, 2021
Chester Frazier dribbles to the basket in the game against Iowa on Feb. 1, 2009. Frazier recently agreed to return to Champaign as an assistant mens basketball coach.

Assessing assistants: Illinois undergoes coaching turnover, hires Chester Frazier

May 11, 2021
The Illinois mens basketball team waits for what may be called at their game on Jan. 19 against Penn State. Although Illinois basketball will be losing key players, they have transfers coming to the team.

Big Ten stock watch: Roster changes after one month highlights transfer portal madness

May 2, 2021
Senior Alfonso Plummer looks to make a lay-up against USC. He will now be joining Illinois for next years basketball season.

Alfonso Plummer brings strong offense to Illinois next season

April 21, 2021
Illini basketball head coach Brad Underwood finishes a timeout huddle with his team during the game against Purdue Jan. 2. Underwood has been using his time in the offseason to recruit players from the transfer portal.

Underwood, staff use offseason to recruit next season’s team

April 12, 2021

Florida transfer Omar Payne adds strength, speed to Illinois’ roster

April 4, 2021
Sophomore Kofi Cockburn and Junior Ayo Dosunmu prepare for an embrace during the game against Wisconsin on Feb. 6 . Both Cockburn and Dosunmu must soon decide whether to declare for the NBA draft or return to Illinois for another season.

To leave or not to leave: Dosunmu, Cockburn ponder future

April 4, 2021
Adam Miller shoots a 3-pointer during Illinois game against Nebraska Feb. 25. Miller reportedly entered the transfer portal Thursday afternoon.

Adam Miller enters transfer portal

April 1, 2021
Brad Underwood yells during the game against Iowa on Jan. 29 at State Farm Center. The Big Ten has been widely considered the best conference in the country all season, yet Michigan is the only Big Ten team to advance to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament.

Big Ten has big problems: Why league struggles in March, how teams can get over hurdle

March 28, 2021
Sophomore Kofi Cockburn goes up for a contested layup against Cameron Krutwig during the game against Loyola Chicago Sunday at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Illini fell to the 8-seeded Ramblers 71-58, ending their season.

Illini fall to Ramblers behind flustered offense in second round of NCAA tournament

March 21, 2021
Trent Frazier looks to pass the ball during the game against Drexel on Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Illini have been resting during their stay in the NCAA bubble to get ready for some big March Madness games coming up.

Life in the NCAA bubble: How Illinois spends its down time in Indianapolis

March 20, 2021
Junior Giorgi Bezhanishvili goes up for a shot during the Big Ten Tournament championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 14. Bezhanishvilis 12 points off the bench helped the Illini win their first conference title since 2005.

Bezhanishvili’s attitude, play help Illinois win Big Ten Tournament after year of uncertainty

March 18, 2021
Underwood turns Illinois basketball program around through team-building, culture, belief

Underwood turns Illinois basketball program around through team-building, culture, belief

March 17, 2021
Students celebrate on the Main Quad after the Illinois Mens Basketball Team became Big Ten champions on Sunday afternoon. The team needs a cohesive plan in order to make it to the Final Four.

Breaking down Illinois’ path to the Final Four

March 16, 2021
Sophomore Kofi Cockburn defends Ohio State freshman Zed Key during the Big Ten Tournament title game on March 14 at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Illini won 91-88 in overtime, winning their first Big Ten Tournament title since 2005.

Illinois hangs on to beat Ohio State, claims Big Ten Tournament title in roller-coaster game

March 14, 2021
Sophomore Kofi Cockburn goes up for a dunk against Iowa in the Big Ten Tournament on March 13 at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Illini won the game 82-71 and advanced to the Big Ten Tournament championship game for the first time since 2008.

No. 3 Illinois keeps winning ways going, slams home No. 5 Iowa

March 13, 2021
Junior guard Ayo Dosunmu drives toward the basket in the first half of the game against Rutgers at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 12. The Illini advanced to the semifinals of the Big Ten Tournament for the first time since 2010 with a 90-68 win over the Scarlet Knights.

Illinois relishes off fans’ energy, goes on to stomp Rutgers

March 12, 2021
The Illinois mens basketball team pack the teams coach bus before leaving for Indianapolis on March 11. The Illini are packing and preparing to be gone for a month and make a deep NCAA tournament run.

One month in Indy: Illinois manages last four weeks of season

March 12, 2021
Freshman Andre Curbelo rushes past a Michigan defender during the game on March 2 at Ann Arbor. Curbelo is this week’s Illini of the Week.

Illini of the Week: Curbelo guides Illini to consecutive ranked road wins

March 11, 2021
Sophomore Kofi Cockburn steps toward the basket during the game against Michigan on March 2. Michigan and Illinois are both strong contenders to win the Big Ten Tournament this year.

Big Ten Tournament preview: Illinois enters as contenders, second seed in competition

March 11, 2021
Kofi Cockburn celebrates after a play against Michigan at Crisler Center on Tuesday. The two teams had been feuding for weeks online, adding to a long list of Big Ten beef this season.

Ranking the best feuds in the Big Ten this season

March 8, 2021
Ayo Dosunmu runs down the court in Illinois game at Ohio State Saturday. The Illini won 73-68.

Dosunmu’s key-buckets and words of encouragement help Illinois complete late rally

March 6, 2021
Giorgi Bezhanishvili blocks a shot in Illinois game against Nebraska on March 6.

Illinois aims to complete multiple goals, finishes off regular season at Ohio State

March 6, 2021
Trent Frazier celebrates in the game against Michigan on Wednesday in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Illini beat the Wolverines 76-53.

Four takeaways from No. 4 Illinois’ win over No. 2 Michigan

March 3, 2021
Sophomore Kofi Cockburn goes for the dunk during the game against Nebraska. Cockburn will reportedly remain in the NBA Draft, according to reports Thursday morning.

Michigan preview: Defending pick-and-roll offense will be key in showdown with Wolverines

March 2, 2021
Freshman Adam Miller shoots a free throw during a game against Nebraska on Thursday at State Farm Center. Miller became the primary scorer after Ayo Dosunmu was benched for facial injuries.

With Dosunmu out, Adam Miller fills a familiar role as primary scorer

March 1, 2021
Sophomore Kofi Cockburn looks to shoot during the game against Wisconsin on Saturday. The Illini won the game 74-69.

Player grades: Cockburn, Curbelo dominate in win over Badgers

February 28, 2021
Adam Miller drives to the basket in Illinois game against Nebraska on Thursday. Without Ayo Dosunmu, Miller stepped up for the team with 16 first-half points.

With Dosunmu out, Adam Miller fills familiar role as primary scorer

February 27, 2021
Adam Miller shoots a 3-pointer during Illinois game against Nebraska Feb. 25. Miller reportedly entered the transfer portal Thursday afternoon.

Illinois manages to find offensive rhythm, balance without Dosunmu to bury Nebraska

February 25, 2021
Illinois forward Zach Griffith (4) shoots the ball during the game against Illinois Wesleyan at State Farm Center on Friday, Nov. 2, 2018.

From 1A to Big Ten: How Zach Griffith left his mark on Illinois

February 25, 2021
Trent Frazier, Kofi Cockburn and Ayo Dosunmu stand together on the court during Illinois game at Michigan State. The Illini lost 81-70.

Missed free throws, layups plague Illini against desperate Spartans

February 23, 2021
Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo looks on in the second half of their game against Iowa at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, on Feb. 13, 2021.

Illinois, Michigan State sit at opposite ends of Big Ten

February 23, 2021
Junior Ayo Dosunmu shoots the ball in the first half against Minnesota on Feb. 20. Dosunmu notched his second triple-double of the season in the 94-63 win.

Dosunmu’s triple-double, Illinois’ size advantage secures dominant victory over Minnesota

February 20, 2021
Junior Ayo Dosunmu looks downcourt during the game against Northwestern on Tuesday. The Illini will face Minnesota tonight.

Illinois looks to continue road success against Minnesota

February 20, 2021
Giorgi Bezhanishvili puts up a shot in Illinois game against Northwestern Tuesday night. The Illini won 73-66.

Hot start, Williams’ hustle allows for Illinois to hold off Northwestern

February 16, 2021
Ramses Melendez poses with an MVP award on March 1. Melendez is the most recent recruit to the 2021 Illinois basketball class.

Ramses Melendez commits to Illinois, and other recruiting notes

February 15, 2021
Senior Trent Frazier passes to senior DaMonte Williams during the game against Wisconsin on Feb. 6. The Illinois basketball team will face off against Northwestern tonight.

Ahead of rematch with Northwestern, No. 5 Illinois learns how deep Big Ten really is

February 15, 2021
Ayo Dosunmu takes the floor in Illinois win against Nebraska on Friday night.

Illinois avoids disastrous loss to Nebraska thanks to Dosunmu’s heroics

February 13, 2021
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood speaks with one of his players during the game against Wisconsin on Saturday. Illinois was set to face Michigan yesterday, but the game was postponed.

Amid scheduling changes, Illinois looks set to take on Nebraska

February 12, 2021
Ayo Dosunmu looks to Kofi Cockburn while dribbling during Illinois game against Wisconsin on Saturday.

Breaking down all 12 of Dosunmu’s assists from win over Wisconsin

February 9, 2021
Ayo Dosunmu dribbles past a Wisconsin defender in Illinois game on Saturday. The Illini won 75-60.

Ayo’s triple-double, Kofi’s paint dominance lead Illini to fourth-straight win

February 6, 2021
Ayo Dosunmu drives to the basket in Illinois game against Iowa on Jan. 29.

Wisconsin preview: Setting fast pace, guarding perimeter is key against dangerous Badger team

February 6, 2021
Illinois group of starters stand together during Illinois game against Penn State on Jan. 19.

Illini show they can win in different ways in slugfest against Hoosiers

February 3, 2021
Trent Frazier shoots in warmups before Illinois game at Indiana. The Illini won 75-71.

Behind stellar defense, Illinois continues winning ways at Indiana

February 2, 2021
Junior forward Jacob Grandison captures a rebound during the game against Iowa on Friday. The Illini will face off against Indiana tonight in Bloomington.

Indiana preview: Shutting down Jackson-Davis, Franklin is key in second showdown of season

February 2, 2021
Senior Trent Frazier passes to his left during the game against Ohio State on Jan. 16. Frazier declared for the NBA Draft Friday, though he is still eligible to return for a fifth season.

Frazier uses Naismith snub to turn in best game of season

January 31, 2021
Jacob Grandison defends a shot in Illinois game against Iowa on Friday. The Illini won 80-75.

Illinois’ interior defense, Grandison’s big shot propel Illinois to victory over No. 7 Iowa

January 29, 2021
Sophomore Kofi Cockburn jumps to shoot during the game against Maryland on Jan. 11. The Illini will face off with Iowa tonight at State Farm Center.

Keys to the game: Dosunmu dominance, role players playing their roles key in Iowa showdown

January 29, 2021
Forward basketball player Coleman Hawkins reaches up to block a shot against Purdue on Jan. 2 at State Farm Center.

Hawkins provides energy, promise for Illini

January 27, 2021
Illinois coach Brad Underwood plans a play on the sidelines during the game against Purdue on Jan. 2.

Illinois is running out of time to meet lofty expectations

January 25, 2021
Ayo Dosunmu dribbles the ball in Illinois game against Penn State on Tuesday night. The Illini won 79-65.

Behind Cockburn, Frazier, Illinois snaps two-game skid against Penn State

January 19, 2021
Senior Trent Frazier drives towards the basket during the game against Ohio State on Saturday. Frazier announced his return to Champaign Saturday afternoon.

Between losing streak, COVID-19 cancellations, Illinois approaches crucial point in season

January 19, 2021
Ohio State Sophomore E.J. Liddell attempts to block a layup from Junior Ayo Dosunmu during the game against Ohio State on Saturday,

Liddell dominates Illini again against his home state school

January 18, 2021
DaMonte Williams drives to the lane in Illinois game against Ohio State Saturday. The Illini fell 87-81.

Slow start finally catches up to Illini, dooms them against Buckeyes

January 16, 2021
Andre Curbelo drives to the hoop in Illinois game against Maryland last Sunday.

Curbelo looks to find his rhythm against former teammate

January 16, 2021
The Illinois mens basketball team huddles before a play during the game against Purdue on Jan. 2.

Mario Kart, wood working, Tik Tok: Illinois men’s basketball bonds as a group

January 13, 2021
Senior DaMonte Williams drives forward during the game against Maryland on Sunday.

Illini fail to find offensive balance in loss to Maryland

January 11, 2021
Ayo Dosunmu drives to the lane during Illinois game against Maryland Jan. 10. Dosunmu declared for the 2021 NBA Draft Tuesday afternoon.

Dosunmu’s late efforts not enough as Illinois goes cold in 66-63 loss to Maryland

January 10, 2021
Illinois coach Brad Underwood plans a play on the sidelines during the game against Purdue on Jan. 2.

Perimeter-oriented Maryland provides different type of challenge for No. 12 Illinois

January 10, 2021
Sophomore Kofi Cockburn walks towards the court during the game against Purdue on Saturday.

After rough first half, Cockburn responds to criticism well to help thwart Northwestern

January 8, 2021
Ayo Dosunmu shoots a jumper in Illinois game against Northwestern on Thursday night. The Illini won 81-56.

Illinois’ second half surge leads to dominant 81-56 win at Northwestern

January 7, 2021
Junior Ayo Dosunmu drives forward during the game against Purdue on Saturday.

In-state foes Illinois and Northwestern square off again on Thursday

January 7, 2021
Kofi Cockburn goes up for a shot in Illinois game against Purdue on Saturday. The Illini won 66-58.

Balanced offensive attack leads Illinois past Purdue 66-58

January 2, 2021
Junior Giorgi Bezhanishvili lookd to pass during the game against Indiana on Dec. 26.

Illinois looks to keep win streak going against Purdue after week off

January 2, 2021
Members of the Illinois basketball team walk on the court between plays during the game against Minnesota on Dec. 26.

Answering midseason mailbag questions

January 1, 2021
Junior Ayo Dosunmu prepares to shoot the ball during the game against Indiana on Saturday.

Confidence, preparation: How Ayo Dosunmu has established himself as top closer in college basketball

December 28, 2020
Ayo Dosunmu goes up for a layup in Illinois contest against Indiana at State Farm Center on Saturday. Behind Dosunmus performance, the Illini won X-X.

Dosunmu’s hot stretch, Cockburn’s defense lead way for Illinois’ 69-60 win over Indiana

December 26, 2020
DaMonte Williams goes up for the layup contested by Trayce Jackson-Davis in Illinois meeting with Indiana last season on March 1. The Illini face the Hoosiers Saturday afternoon.

No. 18 Illinois looks to continue winning ways against front-court orientated Indiana

December 25, 2020
Jacob Grandison looks to pass the ball in Illinois game against Minnesota on Dec. 15. Grandisons playing time increased against Penn State because of his physicality and hustle plays.

Jacob Grandison’s hustle plays become bright spot for Illinois

December 25, 2020
Giorgi Bezhanishvili goes for a layup in Illinois game at Penn State Wednesday evening. The Illini won 98-81.

Illinois rallies from slow start to down Penn State 98-81

December 23, 2020
Senior Trent Frazier shoots the ball during the game against Minnesota on Dec. 15.

Illinois will look to veterans to bounce back against Penn State

December 23, 2020
Ayo Dosunmu shoots a jumper in Illinois game at Rutgers on Sunday afternoon. The Illini fell 91-88.

Despite offensive outburst, Illinois gets outworked by Rutgers in 91-88 loss

December 20, 2020
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood instructs his team from the sideline during the game against Minnesota on Tuesday.

No. 13 Illinois prepared for defensive, low-scoring game with No. 19 Rutgers

December 20, 2020
Freshman Andre Curbelo drives towards the basket during the game against Minnesota on Tuesday. The Illini won the game 92-65.

Andre Curbelo uses underdog mentality, passing flash to woo teammates

December 17, 2020
Kofi Cockburn goes up for a layup in Illinois game against Minnesota on Tuesday night. The Illini opened Big Ten play with a 92-65 win over the Golden Gophers.

Illinois’ inside dominance, Kofi Cockburn too much for Minnesota in 92-65 victory

December 15, 2020
Sophomore Kofi Cockburn shoots the ball during the game against Ohio on Nov. 27.

Illinois looks to corral Marcus Carr, Minnesota in Big Ten season opener

December 15, 2020
Junior Ayo Dosunmu advances the ball during the game against Mizzou on Saturday. The Illini fell to the Tiger 81-78.

Assessing Ayo Dosunmu’s national player of the year chances

December 14, 2020
Ayo Dosunmu goes up for the layup in Illinois game against Missouri on Saturday night. The Illini lost the Braggin Rights matchup 81-78

Ayo Dosunmu’s career day not enough as No. 6 Illinois falls to Missouri 81-78

December 12, 2020
Missouri senior forward Reed Nikko (14) attempts to block the shot of Illinois Ayo Dosunmu (11) on Dec. 21, 2019 at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis.

No. 6 Illinois looks to bring toughness, experience to get revenge on Missouri

December 12, 2020
DaMonte Williams is hyped after a play in Illinois game against Duke on Tuesday. The Illini won 83-68.

Illinois uses defense, balanced scoring to thwart Duke 83-68

December 8, 2020
Ayo Dosunmu looks to the court during Illinois game against North Carolina A&T on Nov. 25. Dosunmu will need to have a big game on Tuesday when the Illini face the Duke Blue Devils.

Duke preview: look at biggest questions for No. 6 Illinois ahead of Cameron Indoor clash

December 8, 2020
Ayo Dosunmu tries to dribble past a Baylor defender on Wednesday night in Indianapolis. The Bears defense locked down the Illini and Dosunmu in Illinois loss.

Davion Mitchell, Baylor defense suffocate Illinois on offense

December 4, 2020
Andre Curbelo goes up for a layup in Illinois game against Baylor on Wednesday night in Indianapolis. The Illini lost 82-69.

Illinois runs out of gas in second half, falls to Baylor 82-69

December 3, 2020
Junior Ayo Dosunmu goes for a layup during the game against Chicago State on Thursday. The Illini won the game 97-38.

Under Dosunmu, Underwood’s experience, Illinois remains level-headed before top-5 matchup

December 2, 2020
Sophomore Kofi Cockburn high-fives his teammates as he enters the court during the game against Chicago State on Thursday. The Illini won 97-38.

Biggest questions raised ahead of No. 5 Illinois’ matchup with No. 2 Baylor

December 1, 2020
The State Farm Center, located at 1800 S. First St. in Champaign, sits on April 3, 2019.

Basketball in a pandemic: What State Farm Center is like on game day

November 28, 2020
Ayo Dosunmu puts up a lay-up in Illinois game against Ohio on Friday. The Illini won 77-75 to move to 3-0.

Ayo Dosunmu’s free throws save Illinois from massive upset, lead to 77-75 victory

November 27, 2020
Adam Miller gets ready on defense in Illinois game against Chicago State on Thursday. The Illini won 97-38 and move to 2-0.

Illinois uses size, defense to stifle Chicago State 97-38

November 26, 2020
Ayo Dosunmu looks to pass the ball during the game against North Carolina A&T on Wednesday. The Illini won 122-60 at State Farm Center.

Illinois uses record shooting day to dominate North Carolina A&T 122-60

November 25, 2020
Sophomore Kofi Cockburn goes up for a layup in practice on Nov. 20. The Illini start their season Wednesday against North Carolina A&T.

Amid coronavirus concerns, Illinois prepares for Thanksgiving MTE

November 24, 2020
Junior Ayo Dosunmu shoots during the game against Indiana on March 1.

Six numbers will define Illinois’ season

November 23, 2020
Junior Ayo Dosunmu shoots the ball during practice at State Farm Center on Nov. 12. Dosunmu was named a first-team pre-season AP All-American.

Semester in Review: Illini basketball receives preseason hype

November 19, 2020
Aya Dosunmu and Trent Frazier high five each other during Illinois game against Nebraska on Feb. 24. The Big Ten released the 2020-2021 conference schedule Wednesday.

Big Ten releases men’s basketball schedule

November 18, 2020
Freshman guard Adam Miller shoots the ball during practice on Nov. 4. Miller has acclimated well to the Illinois basketball team.

Adam Miller has smooth adjustment to Illini program

November 16, 2020
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