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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
The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
Illinois' D.J. Williams drives to the basket against Detroit at State Farm Center on Nov. 18.

D.J. Williams transferring from Illinois

By Matt Gertsmeier, Columnist • May 8, 2017
Four-star guard Mark Smith committed to Illinois Wednesday. He is head coach Brad Underwood's first commit.

Smith commits to Illinois

By Matt Gertsmeier, Columnist • April 26, 2017
Brad Underwood stands before his speech at the State Farm Center on March 20. Monday afternoon, forward George Conditt officially announced that he will be attending Iowa State University over the University of Illinois.

2016 Illinois Mr. Basketball recipient transfers to Kansas from California

By Matt Gertsmeier, Columnist • April 25, 2017
Illinois men's head basketball coach Brad Underwood is now faced with Jeremiah Tilmon requesting a release from his National Letter of Intent.

Underwood still trying to fill scholarships, looking to future

By Matt Gertsmeier, Columnist • April 20, 2017
New Fighting Illini basketball coach Brad Underwood speaks at the Statefarm Center on Monday, Mar 20 2017.

Illini add Antigua to staff, starting to look at Kansas recruit

By Matt Gertsmeier, Columnist • April 13, 2017
Josh Whitman introduces new men’s basketball coach Brad Underwood during a press conference March 20. Underwood now has his first recruit signed, Mark Smith.

Can Mark Smith be the next to join the class of 2017?

By Matt Gertsmeier, Columnist • April 10, 2017
Illinois men's head basketball coach Brad Underwood gets another chance at recruiting Landers Nolley of Langston Hughes High School, who recently de-committed from Georgia.

Top Illini recruit Jeremiah Tilmon asks for release

By Matt Gertsmeier, Columnist • April 6, 2017
Illinois men's head basketball coach Brad Underwood is now faced with Jeremiah Tilmon requesting a release from his National Letter of Intent.

Top Illini recruit Jeremiah Tilmon asks for release

By Matt Gertsmeier, Columnist • April 5, 2017
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.

Akron hires former Illinois head coach John Groce

By Matt Gertsmeier, Columnist • April 4, 2017
Illinois interim head coach Jamall Walker watches his team from the sideline during the game against Valparaiso at State Farm Center on Tuesday, March 13. The Illini won 82-57.

Underwood and Illinois retain Walker on staff

By Matt Gertsmeier, Columnist • March 27, 2017
New Illinois men's basketball coach Brad Underwood speaks at the State Farm Center on Monday, March 20, 2017.

Get ready for wins and points in the Underwood era

By Matt Gertsmeier, Columnist • March 20, 2017
Illinois men's head basketball coach Brad Underwood is now faced with Jeremiah Tilmon requesting a release from his National Letter of Intent.

Illinois men’s basketball hires Brad Underwood as new head coach

By Matt Gertsmeier, Staff writer • March 18, 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
Illinois interim head caoch Jamall Walker watches his team from the sideline during the game against Valparaiso at State Farm Center on Tuesday, March 13.

NIT rules have potential after display in Illinois men’s basketball win

By Matt Gertsmeier, Illini hoops columnist • March 15, 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 head coach John Groce shouts instructions to his team from the sideline during the game against Iowa at State Farm Center on Wednesday, January 25. Groce was relieved of his duties by Athletic Director Josh Whitman on Saturday.

Groce out as head coach for Illinois men’s basketball

By Matt Gertsmeier, Illini hoops columnist • March 11, 2017
Malcolm Hill drives to the basket during the game against Michigan State on March 1. Columnist Matt Gertsmeier says that though the Illini could use a fresh start, they could still have a chance in their must-win game against Michigan.

Breaking down the Big Ten Tournament

By Matt Gertsmeier, Columnist • March 8, 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
Illinois' Tracy Abrams (right) hugs Malcolm Hill (left) after the game against Michigan State at State Farm Center on Wednesday, March 1.

Breaking down Wednesday’s Illinois men’s basketball thriller

By Matt Gertsmeier, Illini hoops columnist • March 2, 2017
Illinois' Tracy Abrams (13) brings the ball up the court during the game against Penn State at State Farm Center on Saturday, February 11. The Illini lost 83-70.

Michigan State could be biggest game of Groce’s career

By Matt Gertsmeier, Columnist • March 1, 2017
Wisconsin's Bronson Koenig (24) hits a 3-pointer over Kentucky's Willie Cauley-Stein (15) in the NCAA Tournament national semifinal at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Saturday, April 4, 2015. Wisconsin advanced, 71-64.

Breaking down the Big Ten’s chances at the NCAA tournament

By Matt Gertsmeier, Columnist • February 23, 2017
Illinois' Malcolm Hill (21) calls out the play during the game against Northwestern at State Farm Center on Tuesday, February 21.

Illinois men’s basketball ignites against Northwestern in season sweep

By Matt Gertsmeier, Illini hoops columnist • February 21, 2017
Illinois' Malcolm Hill (21) looks to pass the ball during the game against Penn State at State Farm Center on Saturday, February 11.

Keys to an Illinois basketball win today against Northwestern

By Matt Gertsmeier, Columnist • February 21, 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' Michael Finke (43) goes up for a hook shot during the game against Wisconsin at State Farm Center on Tuesday, January 31. The Illini lost 57-43.

Illinois basketball’s Finke isn’t headed to the barber any time soon

By Matt Gertsmeier, Columnist • February 16, 2017
Illinois' Tracy Abrams (13) gets blocked by Iowa's 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 head coach John Groce walks back to the bench after a foul called on the Illini during the game against Penn State at State Farm Center on Saturday, February 11. The Illini lost 83-70.

Ugly milestones achieved for Illinois in loss to Penn State

By Matt Gertsmeier, Illini hoops columnist • February 11, 2017
Illinois' Te'Jon 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
Illinois' Kipper Nichols (2) goes up for a layup during the game against Minnesota at State Farm Center on Saturday, February 4. The Illini lost 68-59.

Nichols’ first half was a taste of future of Illinois basketball

By Matt Gertsmeier and Illini hoops columnist • February 4, 2017
Students celebrate after the Cubs win Game 7 of the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday, November 2 on Green Street at the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign.

Are the Illini the Chicago Cubs of college basketball?

By Matt Gertsmeier, Columnist • February 2, 2017
Illinois' Kipper Nichols (2) goes up for a layup during the game against Wisconsin at State Farm Center on Tuesday, January 31. The Illini lost 57-43.

Would have, could have, should have for Illinois men’s basketball

By Matt Gertsmeier, Illini hoops columnist • January 31, 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' Tracy Abrams hits the floor in anger after picking up his third foul during the game against Maryland at State Farm Center on Jan. 14. The Illini lost 62-56. Columnist Matt Gertsmeier believes Illinois' loss-win pattern is promising for the team's next matchup.

Average winter break for Illinois, first game of semester against Purdue

By Matt Gertsmeier, Illini hoops columnist • January 17, 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
Illinois head coach John Groce yells at his team from the sideline during the game against Central Michigan at State Farm Center on Saturday, December 10. The Illini won 92-73.

Illinois basketball commit Williams tears ACL, out for senior season

By Matt Gertsmeier, Illini hoops columnist • December 11, 2016

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
Illinois' Te'Jon Lucas (3) jumps up to pass the ball off a fast break during the game against North Carolina State at State Farm Center on Tuesday, November 29. The Illini won 88-74.

Illinois basketball beats NC State thanks to strong second half

By Matt Gertsmeier, Illini hoops columnist • November 29, 2016
Mike Thorne Jr. (33) prepares to dunk the ball to score against McKendree.

Illini need to move on from losses and focus on North Carolina State

By Matt Gertsmeier, Columnist • November 29, 2016
Illinois' Tracy Abrams drives to the basket during the game against Southeast Missouri at State Farm Center on Friday, November 11. The Illini won 81-62.

Watch: Illinois basketball players discuss losses, NC State game

By Matt Gertsmeier, Illini hoops columnist • November 28, 2016
Tilmon is John Groce's 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' Mike Thorne Jr. (33) rises up for a dunk over Lewis' Delaney Blaylock (20) during the game at State Farm Center on Friday, November 4. Thorne shot 6-6 from the field and the Illini won 95-51.

Illinois snags a confidence booster in win over McKendree

By Matt Gertsmeier, Staff writer • November 16, 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.

Watch: John Groce addresses Illinois basketball win over McKendree

By Matt Gertsmeier, Illini hoops columnist • 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 Kentucky's 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
Illinois head coach John Groce watches his team from the sidelines during the game against Rutgers at the State Farm Center on February 17. The Illini won 82-66.

Bizarre signing day for Illinois basketball

By Matt Gertsmeier, Columnist • November 10, 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
Coleman-Lands looks to solve Illinois’ injury problems in future

Coleman-Lands looks to solve Illinois’ injury problems in future

By Matt Gertsmeier, Columnist • November 7, 2016
Illinois basketball's Kipper Nichols is ready to play and look good doing so

Illinois basketball’s Kipper Nichols is ready to play and look good doing so

By Matt Gertsmeier, Illini hoops columnist • November 7, 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' Mike Thorne Jr. (33) rises up for a dunk over Lewis' Delaney Blaylock (20) during the game at State Farm Center on Friday, November 4. Thorne shot 6-6 from the field and the Illini won 95-51.

Illinois basketball still has flaws after dominant exhibition win over Lewis

By Matt Gertsmeier, Illini hoops columnist • November 5, 2016
Coach Lovie Smith talks with potential basketball recruits Zyon Bel and Kendall Smith before the game against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on October 8.

Illinois shouldn’t be counted out as Wilkes narrows his list to three

By Matt Gertsmeier, Illini hoops columnist • October 13, 2016
(right) Head coach John Groce congratulates guard Khalid Lewis during the game against Notre Dame at the State Farm Center on Wednesday, Dec. 2. Illinois lost 84-79.

Mayan Kiir takes official visit with Illinois basketball

By Matt Gertsmeier, Staff writer • October 10, 2016
Illinois head coach John Groce shouts instructions to his team from the sidelines during the game against Iowa at the State Farm Center on February 7. The Illini lost 77-65.

Groce, Illini host four-star center for unofficial visit Monday

By Matt Gertsmeier, columnist • September 26, 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 watches his team from the sidelines during the game against Rutgers at the State Farm Center on February 17. The Illini won 82-66.

Quiet recruiting weekend might have been what Illinois basketball needed with Kigab

By Matt Gertsmeier, Staff writer • September 19, 2016
Recruits were given the full treatment during their official visits the weekend of the North Carolina game when recruits and current players practiced at Ubben Basketball Complex.

Is Abu Kigab a lost cause for Illinois basketball? Maybe not

By Matt Gertsmeier, Staff writer • September 15, 2016
Illinois basketball recruits pose for a photo before the game against North Carolina at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.

Illinois basketball shows recruits a weekend of what could be

By Matt Gertsmeier, Illini hoops columnist • September 12, 2016

What is the recruiting pitch for Wilkes this weekend?

By Matt Gertsmeier, Staff Writer • September 8, 2016
Ayo Dosunmu takes unofficial visit to Illinois

Ayo Dosunmu takes unofficial visit to Illinois

By Matt Gertsmeier, Staff writer • September 6, 2016
No. 94 in the nation Mayan Kiir goes in for a dunk.

Mayan Kiir needs to be a household name for Illinois fans

By Matt Gertsmeier, Staff writer • September 1, 2016
Illinois head coach John Groce watches his team from the sidelines during the game against Iowa at the State Farm Center on February 7. The Illini lost 77-65.

Illinois basketball schedules visit with Wilkes

By Matt Gertsmeier, staff writer • August 29, 2016
Illinois' head coach John Groce shakes hands with Lewis University's 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 explores Quad Day on Sunday.

Weekend visit pays off for Illinois basketball with Frazier commit

By Matt Gertsmeier, Illini hoops columnist • August 21, 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

Illinois soccer miss out on NCAA tournament again

By Matt Gertsmeier, Staff writer • May 8, 2016

Illinois women’s basketball team’s season ends in Big Ten tourney

By Matt Gertsmeier, Staff writer • March 3, 2016

Illinois women’s basketball collapse in fourth quarter against Michigan State

By Matt Gertsmeier, Staff writer • February 25, 2016
Illinois' Sarah Hartwell takes a layup over Northwestern's Nia Coffey during the game against Northwestern at State Farm Center on February 4. The Illini lost 69-59.

Women’s basketball wraps up home slate against Spartans

By Matt Gertsmeier, Staff writer • February 24, 2016

Illinois women’s basketball “got the reward” in win over Wisconsin

By Matt Gertsmeier, Staff writer • February 18, 2016

Illinois women’s basketball travels to Wisconsin

By Matt Gertsmeier, Staff writer • February 16, 2016

Tyra Buss and Hoosiers cruise past Illinois

By Matt Gertsmeier • February 11, 2016
Illinois' Alex Wittinger takes a jump shot during the game against Penn State at the State Farm Center on January 23. The Illini lost 65-56.

Illinois hosts the Hoosiers on Wednesday

By Matt Gertsmeier • February 9, 2016
Illinois' Brooke Kissinger drives to the basket during the game against Penn State at the State Farm Center on January 23. The Illini lost 65-56.

Battle of the streaks in Illinois women’s basketball game

By Matt Gertsmeier, Staff writer • February 3, 2016
Illinois' Chatrice White takes a jump shot during the game against Penn State at the State Farm Center on January 23. The Illini lost 65-56.

Illinois women’s basketball to host No. 7 Ohio State

By Matt Gertsmeier, Staff writer • February 1, 2016

Alex Wittinger dominates in Illinois women’s basketball loss to Minnesota

By Matt Gertsmeier, Staff writer • January 27, 2016

Illinois women’s basketball falls short in fourth quarter letdown

By Matt Gertsmeier, Staff writer • January 21, 2016

Illinois women’s basketball falls short in fourth quarter letdown

By Matt Gertsmeier • January 21, 2016

Illinois women’s basketball snaps losing streak

By Matt Gertsmeier, Staff writer • January 18, 2016

Illinois women’s basketball rolling with changes

By Matt Gertsmeier, Staff writer • December 9, 2015
Illini vs Lehigh on December 6, 2015 at The State Farm Center. Illini won 76-67.

Illinois women’s basketball hosts SIU Tuesday

By Matt Gertsmeier, Staff writer • December 7, 2015
Center Chatrice White takes a three point shot during the game against Tennessee State at Parkland College on Tuesday, Nov. 24. Illinois won 98-43.

Illini of the Week 12/2: Chatrice White

By Matt Gertsmeier • December 1, 2015
Guard Kyle Simmons shields the ball from a defender during the game against Tennessee State at Parkland College on Tuesday, Nov. 24. Illinois won 98-43.

Illinois women’s basketball hits road for first time this year

By Matt Gertsmeier, Staff writer • December 1, 2015
Illinois' Chatrice White attempts a contested shot during the game against Ohio State at the State Farm Center on Saturday, February 14, 2015. The Illini won 66-55.

Illinois women’s basketball not underestimating Tennessee-Martin

By Matt Gertsmeier, Staff writer • November 18, 2015

Illinois women’s basketball launches the three in season opener

By Matt Gertsmeier, Staff writer • November 14, 2015
Illinois' Chatrice White attacks the rim during the game against Ohio State at the State Farm Center on Saturday, February 14, 2015. The Illini won 66-55.

Illinois women’s basketball starts season Friday

By Matt Gertsmeier • November 11, 2015
Katie Murray tries to dribble around a defender during the game against Iowa at Illinois Soccer and Track Stadium on Thursday, October 15. Illinois lost 0-1.

Illinois soccer’s offense outmatched in first half on Sunday

By Matt Gertsmeier • November 2, 2015
Coach Janet Rayfield talks with Allison Stucky during the game against Rutgers at Illinois Soccer and Track Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 24. Illinois won 2-1.

Illinois soccer eliminated in first round of Big Ten Tournament

By Matt Gertsmeier • November 1, 2015

Jannelle Flaws powers Illini soccer to Big Ten Tournament

By Matt Gertsmeier • October 29, 2015
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