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

The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

Four-star guard Mark Smith committed to Illinois Wednesday. He is head coach Brad Underwoods first commit.

Smith commits to Illinois

By Matt Gertsmeier, Columnist April 26, 2017
Illinois’ Malcolm Hill waves to the crowd before the game against Northwestern at State Farm Center on Feb. 21. Hill is eight points away from the No. 3 spot on the all-time scoring list.

The curious career of Malcolm Hill

By Matt Gertsmeier, Illini hoops columnist March 16, 2017
Coleman-Lands makes his next big play off the court

Coleman-Lands makes his next big play off the court

By Matt Gertsmeier, Illini hoops columnist March 16, 2017
Valparaiso University head coach Bryce Drew put his team through drills Wednesday, March 20, 2013, at The Palace of Auburn Hills, in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The Crusaders will face Michigan State for their second-round NCAA Tournament game.

Groce fired from Illinois, national search begins

By Matt Gertsmeier, Illini hoops columnist March 13, 2017
Illinois Malcolm Hill (21) pulls up for a jumper during the game against Michigan State at State Farm Center on Wednesday, March 1.

Ironic call cuts Illinois’ season short

By Matt Gertsmeier, Illini hoops columnist March 6, 2017
Tracy Abrams shoots the ball against Purdue on January 17th, 2017. The Illini lost 98-61

Big Ten basketball power rankings

By Matt Gertsmeier, Columnist February 20, 2017
Illinois Tracy Abrams (13) gets blocked by Iowas Dom Uhl (25) during the game against Iowa at State Farm Center on Wednesday, January 25. The Illini won 76-64.

Battle of the bye week for Illinois basketball

By Matt Gertsmeier, Illini hoops columnist February 15, 2017
Illinois head coach John Groce claps for his team during the game against Penn State at State Farm Center on Saturday, February 11. The Illini lost 83-70.

Complain all you want, Groce is still the guy for now

By Matt Gertsmeier, Illini hoops columnist February 14, 2017
Illinois TeJon Lucas (3) drives to the basket during the game against Minnesota at State Farm Center on Saturday, February 4. The Illini lost 68-59.

Freshmen making names for themselves this season

By Matt Gertsmeier, Illini hoops columnist February 6, 2017
A fan gets a picture with the World Series Trophy at the Hall of Fame in State Farm Center on Saturday.

Cubs trophy worth the wait for many Illini fans

By Matt Gertsmeier, Illini hoops columnist February 6, 2017
Can Groce turn on the lights this season?

Can Groce turn on the lights this season?

By Matt Gertsmeier, Illini hoops columnist January 23, 2017
Illinois head coach John Groce watches his team from the sidelines during the game against Ohio State at State Farm Center on Sunday, January 1. The Illini won 75-70.

The keys to an Illinois victory over Indiana

By Matt Gertsmeier, Illini hoops columnist January 7, 2017

Updated rapid recap: Illinois beats Central Michigan 92-73

By Matt Gertsmeier, Illini hoops columnist December 10, 2016
Illinois Leron Black shoots a mid-range jumper during the game against IUPUI at State Farm Center on Tuesday, December 6. The Illini won 85-77.

Illini of the Week: Leron Black

By Matt Gertsmeier, Columnist December 7, 2016
Illinois Malcolm Hill (21) gets fouled on a floater during the game against North Carolina State at State Farm Center on Tuesday, November 29. The Illini won 88-74.

Illinois basketball needs to be consistent against IUPUI

By Matt Gertsmeier, Illini hoops columnist December 6, 2016
Tilmon is John Groces biggest recruit yet.

Five-star Tilmon commits to Illinois basketball

By Matt Gertsmeier, Illini hoops columnist November 17, 2016
Illinois head coach John Groce shouts instructions to his team from the sideline during the game against Northern Kentucky at State Farm Center on Sunday, November 13. The Illini won 81-62.

What happens now for Illinois recruiting?

By Matt Gertsmeier, Staff writer November 16, 2016
Illinois Jalen Coleman-Lands shoots a three during the game against Indiana at the State Farm Center. Jalen made 5 three-pointers and scored 21 points.

Watch: Illinois basketball players address McKendree win

By Matt Gertsmeier, Illini hoops columnist November 16, 2016
No. 94 in the nation Mayan Kiir goes in for a dunk.

Illinois basketball recruit Kiir commits to VCU

By Matt Gertsmeier, Illini hoops columnist November 14, 2016
Illinois Maverick Morgan (22) shoots a layup over Northn Kentuckys Blake Spellman (3) during the game at State Farm Center on Sunday. The Illini won 79-64.

WATCH: Illinois basketball post-game press conference

By Matt Gertsmeier, Illini hoops columnist November 14, 2016
Illinois Malcolm Hill (21) shoots a three during the game against Northern Kentucky at State Farm Center on Sunday, November 13. Hill scored a career high of 40 points and the Illini won 79-64.

Illinois needs more than just Hill’s skills

By Matt Gertsmeier, Illini hoops columnist November 13, 2016
Five-star small forward Kris Wilkes takes a jump shot during an open practice at Ubben Basketball Complex on Saturday, September 10. Wilkes has not yet committed to play basketball at Illinois.

Five-star basketball recruit Wilkes commits to UCLA

By Matt Gertsmeier, Illini hoops columnist November 13, 2016
Illinois Malcolm Hill (center) receives help up after being fouled while shooting a three during the game against Southeast Missouri at State Farm Center on Friday, November 11. The Illini won 81-62.

Illinois basketball wins in sloppy fashion

By Matt Gertsmeier, Illini hoops columnist November 12, 2016
Five-star small forward Kris Wilkes takes a jump shot during an open practice at Ubben Basketball Complex on Saturday, September 10. Wilkes has not yet committed to play basketball at Illinois.

Decision day for Illinois basketball quickly approaching

By Matt Gertsmeier, Illini hoops columnist November 10, 2016
Key games for Illini basketball nonconference

Key games for Illini basketball nonconference

By Matt Gertsmeier, Illini hoops columnist November 7, 2016
Thorne embraces his age for Illinois

Thorne embraces his age for Illinois

By Matt Gertsmeier, Illini hoops columnist November 7, 2016
Illinois head coach John Groce watches his team during the 89-58 loss to Purdue in the quarterfinal game of the Big Ten Tournament.

Looking to the future for Illinois basketball

By Matt Gertsmeier, Illini hoops columnist September 22, 2016
Illinois head coach John Groce shakes hands with Lewis Universitys head coach Scott Trost before the exhibition game, held at Assembly Hall on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012.

Who is Illinois’ next recruit up?

By Matt Gertsmeier, staff writer August 25, 2016
Illinois head coach John Groce watches his team from the sideline during Illinois 78-68 loss to Michigan at State Farm Center on Wednesday, December 30.

Changing the recruiting game for Illinois basketball

By Matt Gertsmeier, Illini Hoops Columnist August 22, 2016
Illinois basketball commit Trent Frazier attended football practice at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.

Frazier commits to Illinois basketball

By Matt Gertsmeier, Staff writer August 21, 2016
ILLordle: Play now