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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
The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
James Kim

James Kim, Sports Editor

My name is James Kim and I’m a senior studying English with a minor in business. This is my third year with The Daily Illini and it’s been an amazing ride so far. When I joined in fall 2021, I began as a staff writer for the sports section where I covered women’s tennis. In spring 2022, I became an assistant sports editor and started covering soccer and Illinois men’s basketball. From spring 2023 onwards I’ve been working as the sports editor! In addition to being an Illini and Real Madrid fanatic, I also love watching movies and TV shows. If you have any questions about writing for The DI, you can reach me at my email below. I-L-L!

Sophomore guard Ty Rodgers drives up the court against Southern on Sunday.

Notes, player grades from No. 23 Illinois men’s basketball’s come from behind win over Valparaiso

By Conor Blount and James Kim • November 19, 2023
Guard Terrance Shannon Jr. sprints to the hoop as Friday nights game against Valparaiso second half takes takes place.

Shannon, Goode spark late surge for No. 23 Illinois in 23-point win over Valparaiso

By James Kim, Sports Editor • November 17, 2023
Guard/forward Marcus Domask looks for a way through Marquettes defense to get to the hoop during the second half of Monday nights game. The Golden Eagles defeated the Illini at the State Farm Center 71-64.

Notes, player grades from Illinois men’s basketball’s 71-64 defeat by No. 4 Marquette

By James Kim and Conor Blount • November 15, 2023
Guard Terrence Shannon Jr. passes the ball as Marquette surrounds him during the second half of Monday nights game.

No. 23 Illinois men’s basketball faces test against No. 4 Marquette in sold-out matchup

By James Kim, Sports Editor • November 14, 2023
Graduate Student Guard/Forward Quincy Guerrier attempts a dunk against the Oakland defense during the first half on Friday. Guerrier made the second most points with 13 during the encounter.

Notes, player grades from No. 25 Illinois men’s basketball’s hard-fought win over Oakland

By Conor Blount and James Kim • November 12, 2023
Forward/center Dain Dainja cuts through Oaklands defense to make a layup during the second half. The game ended in a 64-53 victory for Illinois.

No. 25 Illinois men’s basketball earns scrappy 64-53 win over Oakland

By James Kim, Sports Editor • November 10, 2023
Forward Dain Dainja during the first half Illinois exhibition match against Ottawa on Oct. 20, 2023. The first half of the game ended in a score of 59 for Illinois and 9 for Ottawa.

Notes, player grades from Illinois’ season-opening 28-point victory over Eastern Illinois

By James Kim and Conor Blount • November 7, 2023
Guard/forward Ty Rodgers pushes through Eastern Illinois defense during the first official game of the season on Monday night.

‘We’re excited to get started’: No. 25 Illinois opens 2023-24 season with Eastern Illinois clash

By James Kim, Sports Editor • November 6, 2023
Forward Coleman Hawkins during the first half rushes to get through Kansas center Hunter Dickinsons defense during Sundays exhibition match.

Notes, player grades from Illinoisʼ 82-75 exhibition upset over No. 1 Kansas

By Conor Blount and James Kim • October 30, 2023
Guard Terrance Shannon Jr rushes to get to the hoop through Kansas center Hunter Dickinson on Sunday night.

Shannon paves path against No. 1 Kansas, earns statement victory in Maui Strong Relief Matchup

By James Kim, Sports Editor • October 29, 2023
Forward Amani Hansberry keeps his eye on the ball during the second half of Illinois exhibition match against Ottawa on Friday. The second half concluded the game set against Ottawa 116-65 in favor of Illinois.

Notes, player grades from Illinois men’s basketball’s 51-point victory over Ottawa

By James Kim, Sports Editor • October 21, 2023
Guard Terrance Shannon Jr. rushes to the hoop as Northwestern begins to surround him on Feb. 23. Illinois will play against Ottawa Friday night at the State Farm Center.

No. 25 Illinois men’s basketball prepares to welcome Ottawa in first exhibition matchup of 2023-24

By James Kim, Sports Editor • October 20, 2023
Senior Goal Keeper, #1 Julia Cili throws the ball out to her teammates on Oct. 12. Illinois will attempt for a win against Nebraska this Sunday after loss from Michigan State.

Illini soccer loses early lead, drops penultimate Big Ten match to No. 14 Spartans

By James Kim, Sports Editor • October 20, 2023
Illinois basketball head coach Brad Underwood in the Ubben Basketball Complex on Monday.

‘All we’ve done is light the match again’: Underwood thanks fans, forecasts electric season

By Lisa Chasanov and James Kim • October 17, 2023
Illinois basketball head coach Brad Underwood during an interview with The Daily Illini in his office on Monday.

Q&A | Brad Underwood reflects on rejuvenating program, talks ins, outs of 2023-24

By James Kim and Lisa Chasanov • October 17, 2023
Junior Abby Lynch making eye contact with the ball and planning her next move to attack. Illinois will be attempting to break in a win on Sunday against Purdue.

Illinois soccer concedes last-second goal, falls short against No. 12 Wisconsin

By James Kim, Sports Editor • October 13, 2023
Forward Coleman Hawkins and guard Terrence Shannon Jr. watch the jumbotron prior to taking on the Michigan State Spartans at State Farm Center on Jan. 13. Hawkins and Shannon Jr. will play their final season this year.

‘We’ve got the best fans in the nation’: Shannon, Hawkins prepare for last dance with Illinois men’s basketball

By James Kim, Sports Editor • October 9, 2023
Head coach Brad Underwood speaks to the referees as the Illini takes on Rutgers at State Farm Center on Feb. 11. Underwood looks positively on the upcoming team to play during 2023-2024 season.

‘This is an ultra, ultra competitive group’: Underwood previews 2023-24 season for Illinois men’s basketball

By James Kim, Sports Editor • October 4, 2023
Senior goalkeeper Julia Cili securely holds the ball in a duel against Michigan on Sept. 24.

Illini soccer endures scoreless draw against Wildcats

By James Kim, Sports Editor • September 29, 2023
The Illini walk the field during post-game after beating Michigan 3-2. The Illini play against Northwestern this coming Thursday.

Illinois soccer travels to Evanston for in-state clash vs. Northwestern

By James Kim, Sports Editor • September 26, 2023
Senior goalkeeper Julia Cili blocks the ball. Cili has recorded a staggering 45 saves.

Illinois soccer faces huge test against No. 19 Michigan, hunts for 1st conference win

By James Kim, Sports Editor • September 24, 2023
Junior midfielder Sydney Stephens dribbles past Indiana defenders on Thursday.

‘A tale of two halves’: Illinois soccer drops Big Ten home opener in narrow loss to Indiana

By James Kim, Sports Editor • September 22, 2023
The Illini put their hands together on Sept. 9, 2022 during a match against Mizzou. The Illini seek to build up there performance as the season continues with their upcoming match against Indiana on Thursday.

‘The results will come if we just keep digging our heels in,’: Illinois prepares to host Indiana in first home Big Ten clash

By James Kim, Sports Editor • September 20, 2023
Forward Makena Silber rushes to keep the ball away from Grand Valley State on Apr. 2, 2022. Silber made her presence known during Sundays game against Iowa that ended in a draw.

Silber scores as Illinois soccer opens 2023 Big Ten campaign with draw against Iowa

By James Kim, Sports Editor • September 18, 2023
Forward Makena Silber and Head coach Janet Rayfield speak toe each other before playing in the senior day match against Rutgers on Oct. 23, 2021. Silber makes her return to Illini soccer after recovering from injury for her final season.

Silber leads Illini soccer in final season, leaves legacy of goal scoring, teamwork

By James Kim, Sports Editor • September 18, 2023
Midfielder Sydney Stephens focuses on her performance on the field against Loyola during a gloomy Sept. 11, 2023. The Illini secured a senior day victory against Pepperdine on Sunday.

Stephens calls game in Illinois soccer senior day thriller versus Pepperdine

By James Kim, Sports Editor • September 11, 2023
Midfielder Kendra Pasquale handles the ball by the net on on Sept. 11, 2022. The Illini will be facing off against Pepperdine in hopes of making a comeback on Sunday.

Illinois soccer looks to rebound against Pepperdine in return to Champaign

By James Kim, Sports Editor • September 9, 2023
The Illini and Mizzou fights for the ball on Sept. 9, 2022. Despite pressure pressed by the Illini at the end of Thursdays match against Missouri, the Illini were unsuccessful on securing the win.

Illinois soccer suffers 2nd straight defeat following Braggin’ Rights loss to Missouri

By James Kim, Sports Editor • September 8, 2023
Midfielder Sydney Stephens keeps the ball away from Mizzou on Sept. 9, 2022. The Illini will play Missouri on Thursday.

Illinois soccer to conclude 5-game road trip with Braggin’ Rights showdown against Missouri

By James Kim, Sports Editor • September 6, 2023
The Illini stand along the field at sunset on Sept. 9, 2022 during a game against Mizzou. The Illini suffered their first loss this season, ending their win-streak on Sunday.

Illinois soccer suffers first defeat of 2023 season in loss to Kentucky

By James Kim, Sports Editor • September 4, 2023
Junior Sydney Stephens runs to kick the ball away from Indiana State on Sept. 04, 2022. The Illini hits a win-streak on Thursday that has not been achieved since 2019.

Red-hot Illinois moves to 4 matches unbeaten with victory over Louisville

By James Kim, Sports Editor • September 1, 2023
Julia Cili runs between her team on Sept. 4, 2022 as the Illini prepares to face off against Indiana. The Illini will be facing off against Louisville on Thursday.

Illinois soccer searches for third win of season against winless Louisville

By James Kim, Sports Editor • August 30, 2023
Midfielder Kennedy Berschel faces of ISU on Aug. 18, 2023. The Illinis latest match on Sunday resulted in a draw with both teams not making a goal during the match.

Illinois soccer battles out scoreless draw versus Dayton, extends unbeaten streak

By James Kim, Sports Editor • August 28, 2023
Illinois soccer huddles on the field during a game against Missouri on Sept. 9.

Illinois soccer searches for 3rd straight victory with trip to Dayton

By James Kim, Sports Editor • August 26, 2023
The Illini rush to the field to face off against Minnesota on Oct. 23, 2022. On Thursday the Illini had a tight game against Xavier which ended in a 1-0 victory for the Illini.

Illinois soccer continues rolling with road upset over No. 17 Xavier

By James Kim, Sports Editor • August 24, 2023
Kicking off the school year with intramural sports on campus

Kicking off the school year with intramural sports on campus

By James Kim, Sports Editor • June 16, 2023
Guard Terrence Shannon Jr. gives directions to the rest of the team to make a play against Michigan on Mar. 2. On Wednesday, Shannon announced that he would return to Champaign for one more season.

Shannon withdraws from NBA draft, announces return to Illinois for 2023-24 season

By James Kim, Sports Editor • May 31, 2023
Illinois softball gathers around home to cheer after redshirt senior outfielder Danielle Davis hit a grand slam in the top of the third inning.

’We’re not gonna let you have it’: No. 12 Illinois softball upsets No. 5 Wisconsin in 1st round of Big Ten tournament

By James Kim, Sports Editor • May 10, 2023

Illinois women’s golf ends Big Ten drought with 1st title triumph in program history

By James Kim, Sports Editor • May 1, 2023

Illinois men’s basketball lands Oregon transfer forward Quincy Guerrier

By James Kim, Sports Editor • April 24, 2023
Senior guard Terrence Shannon Jr. during a time out in midst of a game against Northwestern on Feb. 23. On Wednesday, Shannon announced that he would return to Champaign for one more season.

Shannon declares for 2023 NBA draft following senior season at Illinois

By James Kim, Sports Editor • April 12, 2023
Sophomore RJ Melendez throws the ball during the game against Wisconsin on Jan. 17. Melendez will become the fourth player to enter the transfer portal in recent weeks.

RJ Melendez enters transfer portal after 2 seasons with Illinois

By James Kim, Sports Editor • April 3, 2023
Forward Coleman Hawkins leaps into the air going for a dunk against Michigan during the first half on Mar. 2. The Illini faced a lot of challenges during this season and despite giving some amazing performances this season they were not able to meet their potential with an early exit in the NCAA tournament.

“A lot of ups and downs:” Illinois men’s basketball experiences 2022-23 season of early highs, late struggles

By James Kim, Sports Editor • March 29, 2023
Forward Coleman Hawkins exits the court during the last home game of the season on Mar. 2. Hawkins officially made his decision to return to Illinois on Wednesday, after withdrawing from the NBA Draft.

Coleman Hawkins declares for 2023 NBA draft following 3-year career at Illinois

By James Kim, Sports Editor • March 28, 2023
Guard Jayden Epps during a home game against Rutgers on Feb. 11, following a loss against Iowa on Feb. 4. Epps took to Twitter to announce his departure from the Illini and his entrance to the transfer portal.

Jayden Epps enters transfer portal after debut season with Illinois men’s basketball

By James Kim, Sports Editor • March 28, 2023
Junior guard RJ Melendez works his way down the court during a game against Wisconsin on Jan. 7. Despite a late run by Melendez and senior guard Terrence Shannon Jr. on Thursday, Illinois fell short to Arkansas, with a final score of 73-63.

Illinois men’s basketball suffers defeat against Arkansas in first round of NCAA tournament

By James Kim, Sports Editor • March 16, 2023
Freshman guard Skyy Clark dribbles the ball down the court during the second half against Kansas City on Nov. 11.

Skyy Clark enters transfer portal following extended absence from Illinois men’s basketball

By James Kim, Sports Editor • March 12, 2023
Senior guard Terrence Shannon Jr. shoves on through Michigans defense during the first half of the Illinis last home game of the season on Mar. 2. Shannon played great offensive against Penn State unfortunately the team was unable to secure the win and are now out of the Big Ten tournament.

Notes, player grades from Illinois’ early Big Ten tournament exit against Penn State

By James Kim and Carson Gourdie • March 9, 2023
Forward Coleman Hawkins aims to make a shot on Sunday when the Illini traveled to West Lafayette, Indiana, to take on the Purdue Boilermakers in the last game of the regular season. The Illini suffered a quick exit out of the Big Ten tournament with a loss to Penn State on Thursday in Chicago.

No. 7 Illinois men‘s basketball exits Big Ten tournament early following narrow second round loss to No. 10 Penn State

By James Kim, Sports Editor • March 9, 2023
Guard Sencire Harris runs to attempt to prevent Purdue from making it to the Illinis side of the court to make a score attempt during Sundays game. The University of Illinois Fighting Illini Men’s Basketball team travels to West Lafayette, Indiana, to take on the Purdue Boilermakers in the last game of the regular season. The Illini are tied for second place with six other teams in the Big Ten conference all boasting a record of 11-8. Purdue holds the top spot with 14-5.

Illinois men‘s basketball falls short against No. 5 Purdue in regular season finale despite late surge

By James Kim, Sports Editor • March 5, 2023
Guard Terrence Shannon Jr. gives directions to the rest of the team to make a play against Michigan on Mar. 2. On Wednesday, Shannon announced that he would return to Champaign for one more season.

Notes, player grades from Illinois men’s basketball’s double-overtime victory over Michigan

By James Kim, Drew Friberg and Carson Gourdie • March 3, 2023
Guard Terrance Shannon Jr. walks the court during the start of the second half of the game against Northwestern last evening. After an earlier injury leaving Shannon away from the court for the past two matches, Shannon came back swinging to defeat Northwestern this Thursday.

Terrence Shannon Jr. ignites Illinois men’s basketball past No. 21 Northwestern in return from injury

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • February 24, 2023
Guard/forward Ty Rodgers pulls guard Sencire Harris to the side after a foul around the start of the second half during last nights game. After Harriss rough performance during the first half Harriss team helped get him back on track in order to make a comeback to defeat Northwestern.

Notes, player grades from Illinois men’s basketball’s electric comeback against No. 21 Northwestern

By James Kim, Drew Friberg and Carson Gourdie • February 24, 2023
Guard RJ Melendez executes a specialized handshake ending in a salute with assistant coach Tim Anderson before the start of last nights game. Melendez played with confidence throughout last nights game against Minnesota as significantly improving from his presence on the court earlier this season.

Notes, player grades from Illinois men’s basketball’s 9-point win over Minnesota

By James Kim, Carson Gourdie and Theo Gary • February 21, 2023
Guard/Forward Matthey Mayer slips through Minnesotas defense around the start of the second half of tonights game. Mayer led the Illini with constant scores against Minnesota bouncing back from the defeat by Indiana on Saturday for the Illini.

Illinois men’s basketball bounces back in Champaign with 78-69 victory over Minnesota

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • February 20, 2023
Guard/Forward Ty Rodgers takes on the Nebraska Cornhuskers at State Farm Center on January 31, 2023. Despite losing to Penn State Rodgers played significantly well on Tuesday.

Player grades from Illinois’ second loss of season to Penn State

By Drew Friberg, James Kim and Carson Gourdie • February 15, 2023
Senior guard Terrence Shannon Jr. runs down the court during the game against Rutgers on Saturday. On Tuesday, Illinois faced off against Penn State; despite a strong performance from Shannon, the Illini suffered a 93-81 defeat.

Illinois men’s basketball succumbs to 93-81 defeat against Penn State, drops rematch in University Park

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • February 14, 2023
Fifth-year forward Matthew Mayer makes a jump shot against Nebraska on Tuesday. The Illini and Iowa were neck and neck during Saturdays away game, which ended in a 79-81 defeat for the Illini.

Illinois men’s basketball loses out against Iowa in close, foul-ridden road clash

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • February 4, 2023
Freshman guard Ty Rodgers attempts a dunk against Nebraska on Tuesday. Along with freshman guard counterparts Jayden Epps and Sencire Harris, Rodgers played a large part in the Illinis 72-56 victory.

Freshman trio of Epps, Harris and Rodgers boost Illinois men’s basketball to Nebraska triumph

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • February 1, 2023
Freshman guard Jayden Epps takes a shot against Indiana on Jan. 19. On Saturday, Epps finished the game against Wisconsin with 13 points on 5-10 shooting.

Player grades from Illinois’ 10-point win over Wisconsin

By Drew Friberg, Carson Gourdie and James Kim • January 28, 2023
Fifth-year forward Matthew Mayer attempts to block a layup from Indianas Malik Reneau on Jan. 19. Mayer had a solid performance on Saturday against Wisconsin, helping to lead the Illini to a 61-51 win.

Illinois men’s basketball overcomes slow start to defeat Wisconsin 61-51 on the road

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • January 28, 2023
Guard Terrence Shannon Jr. battles against Ohio States defense on Tuesday. Shannon made 17 points during the Illinis match against Ohio State.

Notes, player grades from Illinois’ nine-point victory over Ohio State

By James Kim, Carson Gourdie and Drew Friberg • January 24, 2023
Indiana States forward Trayce Jackson-Davis blocks a layup from guard Sencire Harris during Fridays game. Harris made over half of his shots during Thursdays game but still needs improvement.

Notes, player grades from the Hoosier’s dominance at State Farm Center

By Drew Friberg, James Kim and Carson Gourdie • January 19, 2023
Senior guard Terrence Shannon Jr. had an early layup against Indiana on Thursday, making the score 4-0 in favor of Illinois. Illinois couldnt keep up with the Hoosiers, as the final score was 80-65.

Illinois men’s basketball falls 80-65 against Indiana, has winning streak snapped at home

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • January 19, 2023
Senior guard Terrance Shannon Jr. leaps for a dunk against Wisconsin on Jan. 7. The Illini gets back on foot after their defeat from Northwestern with the Illinis second win on Tuesday against Nebraska.

Shannon shoulders leadership duties in senior season

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • January 19, 2023
Redshirt sophomore center Dain Dainja goes for a layup against Michigan State on Friday. Dianja led the Illini in scoring with 20 points, leading to a 75-66 victory.

Illinois men’s basketball travels to Minnesota amid three-game winning streak

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • January 16, 2023
Illinois Fighting Illini basketball takes on the Michigan State Spartans at State Farm Center on January 13, 2023.

Notes, player grades from Illinois men’s basketball’s 75-66 win over Michigan State

By Drew Friberg, James Kim and Carson Gourdie • January 13, 2023
Illinois Fighting Illini basketball takes on the Michigan State Spartans at State Farm Center on January 13, 2023.

Illinois men’s basketball continues hot streak with 75-66 victory over Michigan State

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • January 13, 2023
Guard Sencire Harris guards off the opposing team on Jan. 7, during a match against Wisconsin. Despite being a terrific guard for the Illini Harris still needs to work on his shooting as seen during Tuesdays game against Nebraska.

Notes, player grades from Illinois men’s basketball’s 76-50 win over Nebraska

By Drew Friberg, James Kim and Carson Gourdie • January 12, 2023
Forward Coleman Hawkins walks onto the court to face Wisconsin on Saturday. The Illini respond after defeat from Northwestern on Jan. 4, and upcoming game against Wisconsin on Tuesday.

Illinois men’s basketball looks to continue Big Ten momentum against Nebraska

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • January 9, 2023
Forward Coleman Hawkins laughs at the sidelines alongside guard Terrance Shannon Jr. on Sunday. Hawkins played an amazing game against Wisconsin which led to the teams 79-69 victory on Sunday.

Notes, player grades from Illinois’ 10-point win over No. 14 Wisconsin

By Drew Friberg, Carson Gourdie and James Kim • January 7, 2023
Illinois Fighting Illini basketball takes on the Wisconsin Badgers at State Farm Center on January 7, 2023.

Illinois men’s basketball upsets No. 14 Wisconsin 79-69 for first Big Ten victory of 2022-23

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • January 7, 2023
Guard Jayden Epps jumps to the hoop during game against Northwestern on Jan. 4. During Wednesdays game against Northwestern Epps showed confidence however lacked precision throughout his shots.

Notes, player grades from Illinois’ loss against Northwestern

By James Kim and Carson Gourdie • January 4, 2023
Guard/Forward Matthew Myer pushes through Northwestern on Wednesday. The Illini begin the 2023 year on a disappointing 60-73 loss to Northwestern on Jan. 4.

Illinois men’s basketball falls 73-60 to Northwestern in third-straight Big Ten defeat

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • January 4, 2023
Guard Sencire Harris celebrates a score against Penn State on Dec. 10. Harris had a spectacular performance as a starter during Thursdays game against Bethune-Cookman that ended with a 85-52 victory in favor of the Illini.

Notes, player grades from Illinois’ win over Bethune-Cookman

By Drew Friberg, James Kim and Carson Gourdie • December 30, 2022
Guard Terrence Shannon Jr. sprints across the court during game against Syracuse on Nov. 29. Despite efforts, the Illini fell to Missouri during tonights game at St. Louis.

No. 16 Illinois men’s basketball sinks to a devastating 93-71 Braggin’ Rights defeat against Missouri

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • December 22, 2022
Guard Skyy Clark attempts to block Penn State from making it to the hoop during a match off on Dec. 10. Clark played a good game against Alabama A&M on Saturday but suffered from fouls during the match.

Player grades, notes for Illinois men’s basketball’s win over Alabama A&M

By Drew Friberg, Carson Gourdie and James Kim • December 18, 2022
University of Illinois Men’s Basketball takes on Pennsylvania State University on a very foggy Saturday, December 10, 2022 morning game.

No. 18 Illinois looks to rebound against Alabama A&M following disappointing previous outing

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • December 17, 2022
Guard/Forward Matthew Mayer receives a pass from his team during a game against Syracuse on Nov. 29. The Illini suffered a defeat today from Penn State resulting in a score of 59-74.

No. 17 Illinois men’s basketball loses out 74-59 against Penn State in Big Ten home opener

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • December 10, 2022
Senior guard Terrance Shannon Jr. dribbles the ball during the game against Syracuse on Nov. 29.

No. 17 Illinois prepares for huge test against No. 2 Texas at Madison Square Garden for Jimmy V Classic

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • December 6, 2022
Junior forward Coleman Hawkins goes for the lay up against Syracuse on Nov. 29.

Notes, player grades from Illinois’ loss against No. 22 Maryland

By James Kim and Carson Gourdie • December 3, 2022
Senior guard Terrance Shannon Jr. dribbles the ball during the game against Syracuse on Tuesday.

No. 16 Illinois men’s basketball drops Big Ten opener in narrow loss to No. 22 Maryland

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • December 2, 2022
Sophomore guard RJ Melendez looks for someone to pass to during the second half against Syracuse on Tuesday.

Notes, player grades from Illinois’ 29-point victory over Syracuse

By Drew Friberg, James Kim and Carson Gourdie • November 29, 2022
Junior forward Coleman Hawkins goes for the lay up against Syracuse on Tuesday.

No. 16 Illinois men’s basketball takes down Syracuse 73-44 in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • November 29, 2022
Freshman guard Skyy Clark is introduced for the starting lineup for the game against Kansas City on Nov. 11.

Clark, Melendez fire No. 16 Illinois men’s basketball to 33-point victory over Lindenwood

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • November 25, 2022
Freshman guard Jayden Epps dribbles the ball during the exhibition game against Quincy on Oct 28.

Player grades from Illinois’ loss to No. 16 Virginia in Vegas

By Drew Friberg, James Kim and Carson Gourdie • November 21, 2022
The Illinois mens basketball team huddle before the game against Quincy on Oct. 28.

No. 19 Illinois men’s basketball loses out to No. 16 Virginia in hard-fought Continental Tire Main Event championship

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • November 20, 2022
Freshman guard Sencire Harris dunks the ball during the game against Kansas City on Nov. 11.

Notes, player grades from Illinois men’s basketball’s upset over No. 8 UCLA

By Drew Friberg, James Kim and Carson Gourdie • November 19, 2022
The Illinois mens basketball team huddles on the court during the game against Kansas City on Nov. 11.

No. 19 Illinois travels to Las Vegas for semifinal showdown against No. 8 UCLA in Continental Tire Main Event

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • November 18, 2022
Senior gaurd Terrence Shannon Jr. shoots from the three point line during the second half of the game against Kansas City on Friday.

Terrence Shannon Jr. unleashes 30-point performance for Illinois in blowout victory over Monmouth

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • November 16, 2022
Freshman guard Jayden Epps goes for the lay up during the second half of the game against Kansas City on Friday.

Notes, player grades from Illinois’ 38-point win over Monmouth

By Drew Friberg, James Kim and Carson Gourdie • November 14, 2022
Freshman guard Skyy Clark dribbles the ball down the court during the second half against Kansas City on Nov. 11.

Notes, player grades from Illinois men’s basketball’s win over Kansas City

By Drew Friberg, Carson Gourdie and James Kim • November 12, 2022
Redshirt sophomore forward Dain Dainja goes to dunk the ball during the second half against Kansas City on Friday.

Dainja leads No. 23 Illinois men’s basketball to 38-point trouncing of Kansas City

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • November 11, 2022
Redshirt sophomore forward Dain Dainja goes to dunk the ball during the exhibition game against Quincy on Oct. 28.

No. 23 Illinois men’s basketball prepares to host 2022 Big Ten Champion Banner Ceremony ahead of Kansas City clash

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • November 11, 2022
Senior guard Terrence Shannon Jr. shoots for a three pointer during the exhibition game against Quincy on Oct. 28.

Shannon, Hawkins shine in Illinois men’s basketball season opener against Eastern Illinois

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • November 9, 2022
Forward Dain Dainja prepares to pass the ball during last nights game against Eastern Illinois. Dainja achieved his first double-double within his 16 minutes of court time during last nights match.

Notes, player grades from Illinois men’s basketball home opener

By Drew Friberg, Carson Gourdie and James Kim • November 8, 2022
Redshirt senior Kendra Pasquale stands in front of Loyolas goal during awaiting Illinois corner kick on Sept. 11.

Kendra Pasquale leaves legacy of hard work, passion at Illinois soccer after five years with program

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • November 7, 2022
Junior forward Coleman Hawkins looks to his teammates during the exhibition game against Quincy on Friday.

Nerves, communication hinders Illinois men’s basketball despite 35-point victory over Quincy

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • October 31, 2022
Sophomore guard RJ Melendez dunks the ball during the second half of the exhibition game against Quincy on Friday. The Illini won 87-52.

Illinois men’s basketball cruises past Quincy in exhibition following strong second-half showing

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • October 28, 2022
Junior forward Coleman Hawkins attempts to block an Iowa opponent during the Big Ten Championships on March 6.

Illinois men’s basketball returns to action in exhibition game against Quincy

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • October 28, 2022
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