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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
Sahil Mittal

Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter

Sophomore forward Carey Booth dunks the ball during pregame warmups on Dec. 10.

Illinois aims to defend 2023 Braggin’ Rights victory

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • December 22, 2024
People take in the action at the sportsbook at the Durango on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

AI enhances sports gambling for users, companies

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • December 17, 2024
Freshman guard Kasparas Jakucionis dribbles the ball on Dec. 14 against Tennessee.

Illinois falls to No. 1 Tennessee in heartbreaking fashion

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • December 14, 2024
Junior guard Kylan Boswell dribbles the ball against No. 20 Wisconsin on Dec. 10.

Illinois hosts No. 1 Tennessee in highly anticipated matchup

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • December 14, 2024
Freshman guard Kasparas Jakucionis and junior guard Tre White celebrate during Illinois’ win over Wisconsin on Dec. 10.

Player grades, notes from Illinois’ win over No. 20 Wisconsin

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • December 11, 2024
Junior guard Tre White dribbles the ball up the court against Wisconsin on Dec. 10.

[Photo] Illinois victorious in Big Ten home opener

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor • December 10, 2024
Freshman guard Kasparas Jakucionis checks into the game and talks to sophomore guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn at Northwestern on Dec. 6.

Player grades, notes from No. 19 Illinois’ overtime loss at Northwestern

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • December 7, 2024
Freshman guard Kasparas Jakučionis shoots a three on Dec. 6 at Northwestern.

No. 19 Illinois fights hard, falls to Northwestern in Big Ten opener

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • December 6, 2024
Sophomore center Tomislav Ivisic walks down the court against SIUE on Nov. 8.

Player grades, notes from Illinois’ win over No. 19 Arkansas

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • November 30, 2024
Freshman guard Kasparas Jakucionis drives to the basket against SIUE on Nov. 8.

Illinois cooks Little Rock ahead of anticipated Thanksgiving day matchup

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • November 25, 2024
Sophomore center Tomislav Ivisic during a Nov. 8 matchup with SIUE at State Farm Center.

No. 25 Illinois to play mid-major Little Rock Monday night

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • November 25, 2024
Freshman forward Will Riley shoots a free throw during practice on Nov. 22 at State Farm Center.

No. 25 Illinois prepares to take on Maryland Eastern Shore

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • November 23, 2024
Sixers Kyle Lowry appeals to an official during the Detroit Pistons vs. Philadelphia 76ers NBA game at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024. (Elizabeth Robertson)

Illini Decide: Stay or throw away? NBA L2M report

By Sahil Mittal, Ben Fader, Tess Eken and Conor Blount • November 21, 2024
Junior guard Kylan Boswell dribbles the ball against SIUE on Nov. 8 at State Farm Center.

No. 25 Illinois falls to No. 8 Alabama in first loss of season

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • November 20, 2024
Sophomore center Tomislav Ivisic dunks the ball in warm ups ahead of Illinois' matchup with Oakland on Nov. 13.

Player grades, notes from Illinois basketball’s gritty win over Oakland

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • November 14, 2024
Alabama and Georgia football fans hit SEC FanFare near Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta for ESPN "College GameDay," "SEC Nation" and more ahead of the SEC Championship Game Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. (Ben Flanagan / AL.com)

Illini Decide: Stay or throw away? AP rankings

By Conor Blount, Ben Fader, Sahil Mittal and Tess Eken • November 14, 2024
Freshman forward Will Riley sits on the bench ahead of a matchup against SIUE on Nov. 8.

Illinois looks to improve to 3-0 against Oakland in final homestand game

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • November 13, 2024
Sophomore center Tomislav Ivisic opens the game Friday night with a dunk against Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville on Nov. 8 at State Farm Center.

Jakucionis, Humrichous, Ivisic lead Illini to 32-point win over SIUE

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • November 8, 2024
Freshman center Jason Jakstys prepares to shoot the ball ahead of Illinois' matchup with SIUE on Nov. 8.

Freshman center Jason Jakstys to redshirt 2024-25 season

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • November 8, 2024
The Las Vegas Aces pose with their trophy after winning Game 4 of a WNBA basketball final series against the New York Liberty to take the championship at Barclays Center on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023, in Brooklyn, NY. (Ellen Schmidt/Las Vegas Review-Journal/TNS)

Illini Decide: Stay or throw away? Playoff series length

By Tess Eken, Ben Fader, Conor Blount and Sahil Mittal • November 7, 2024
Freshman guard Kasparas Jakučionis dribbles around a screen set by sophomore center Tomislav Ivisic on Nov. 3 against Eastern Illinois.

Player grades, notes from Illinois basketball’s win over EIU

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • November 5, 2024
Freshman forward Will Riley drives to the basket against Eastern Illinois on Nov. 4 at the State Farm Center.

[Photo] Illini roll over Panthers in exciting debut

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor • November 4, 2024
Illinois freshman forward Will Riley shoots the ball during practice at the State Farm Center on Nov. 3.

Illinois men’s basketball kicks off 2024-25 season at home against EIU

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • November 4, 2024
Illini freshman guard (from left to right) Kasparas Jakucionis, sophomore forward Jake Davis and junior guard Kylan Boswell at media day on Oct. 11.

5 takeaways from Illinois basketball’s puzzling exhibition loss to Ole Miss

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • November 1, 2024
Illini center Tomislav Ivisic speaks to reporters at media day on October 11

Tomislav Ivisic cleared to play by NCAA, will be classified as sophomore

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • October 31, 2024
Teammates show concern as Dodgers dh Shohei Ohtani heads to the clubhouse after injuring his shoulder in Game two of the World Series at Dodger Stadium. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times/TNS)

Illini Decide: Stay or throw away? MLB’s lack of payroll regulation

By Ben Fader, Tess Eken, Conor Blount and Sahil Mittal • October 31, 2024
Freshmen guard Kasparas Jakucionis reacts to freshman center Tomislav Ivisic at media day on October 11.

Illini provide charity to Ole Miss, 22 turnovers fuel double-digit loss

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • October 27, 2024
The 2024-25 Illinois men’s basketball roster poses for a team photo at media day on Oct. 11.

[Photo] An exhibition in Oxford: Illinois basketball is back

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor • October 26, 2024

Illini Decide: Stay or throw away? Mandatory Guardian Caps in the NFL

By Sahil Mittal, Ben Fader, Tess Eken and Conor Blount • October 24, 2024
Illinois basketball freshmen (from left to right) Tomislav Ivisic, Jason Jakstys, Morez Johnson, Will Riley and Kasparas Jakucionis pose for a team photo at media day on October 11, 2024

The freshmen 5: Jakucionis, Ivišić, Riley, Johnson, Jakstys ready to impact Illini basketball

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • October 19, 2024

Illini decide: Stay or throw away? NCAA eliminates national letter of intent

By Conor Blount, Ben Fader, Tess Eken and Sahil Mittal • October 17, 2024
Quarterback Luke Altmyer prepares to hand the ball off during Illinois upset win over Kansas on Sept. 7.

Illini Decide: Stay or throw away? Professional eligibility

By Tess Eken, Ben Fader, Conor Blount and Sahil Mittal • October 10, 2024
Junior guard/forward Ty Rodgers speaks to the media on October 3, 2024 at Big Ten Media Day in Rosemont, Illinois.

‘This is my team’: Ty Rodgers embracing leadership role ahead of junior season

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • October 4, 2024
Indiana head coach Mike Woodson talks to the media at Big Ten Men's Basketball Media Day on October 3, 2024 in Rosemont, Illinois.

Former Illini Goode and Clark prepare to play for new Big Ten teams

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • October 3, 2024
Cleveland pitcher Matthew Boyd stands on the mound after walking Tigers Matt Vierling in the third inning. Detroit Tigers vs Cleveland Guardians in MLB ALDS Game 2 at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio on October 7, 2024.

Illini Decide: Stay or throw away? MLB late-season waiver wire

By Ben Fader, Tess Eken, Conor Blount and Sahil Mittal • October 3, 2024
Brad Underwood speaks on a coaches panel at 2024 Big Ten Basketball Media Day in Rosemont, Illinois on Thursday, October 3.

5 takeaways from Brad Underwood’s Big Ten Media Day coaches panel

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • October 3, 2024
Junior guard Ty Rodgers holds onto the ball as Northwestern makes an effort to steal it away on Jan. 2.

Top Big Ten matchups for Illinois men’s basketball

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • September 26, 2024
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic reacts after being called for a foul during the first half in Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics on Friday, June 14, 2024, in Dallas.

Illini Decide: Stay or throw away? Future NBA expansion

By Sahil Mittal, Tess Eken, Conor Blount and Ben Fader • September 26, 2024
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kevin Kiermaier (93) dives safely into third base as Seattle Mariners after hitting a triple as Seattle mariners third base Josh Rojas (4) receives the ball inside the baseline in the sixth inning at Dodgers Stadium on Aug. 21, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

Illini decide: Stay or throw it away? MLB 3-team wild-card format

By Conor Blount, Ben Fader, Tess Eken and Sahil Mittal • September 19, 2024
Keaton Wagler on his official visit to the University with his parents.

4-star guard Keaton Wagler commits to Illinois

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • September 18, 2024
Terrence Shannon Jr. awaits his name to be called for the starting lineup against Purdue on March 5. Shannon and his legal team plan to sue the Lawrence PD and county's DA for "millions."

Former Illini Terrence Shannon Jr. to sue Lawrence PD and Douglas County DA for ‘millions’

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • September 13, 2024
A basketball lays on a ball cart as Illinois practices before the game against Marquette on Nov. 14.

Illini Decide: Stay or throw it away? Current All-Star game format

By Tess Eken, Ben Fader, Sahil Mittal and Conor Blount • September 12, 2024
Quarterback Luke Altmyer waits for a snap on Sept. 2, 2023.

Illini Decide: Stay or throw away? Helmet communication for NCAA

By Ben Fader, Tess Eken, Conor Blount and Sahil Mittal • September 3, 2024
Head coach Brad Underwood watches as Illinois takes on Kansas in an exhibition game last season. Underwood’s Illini are set to take on four top 25 schools in the 2024-25 season.

Illinois men’s basketball non-conference schedule headlined by 4 top 25 opponents

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • August 20, 2024
As the second quarter of a football game against Toledo on Sept. 2 comes close to its start, the Illini student section hold up signs collectivle forming "INI."

The coolest venues Illini athletics will visit in the 2024-25 season

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • August 15, 2024
Sophomore Guard Ty Rodgers coming back on defense after scoring a jump shot in the first half

New look Illini: 2024-25 men’s basketball roster preview

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • August 15, 2024
Former Illini and current New Orleans Pelican Malcolm Hill sits down to watch an NBA Summer League game on July 12, 2024 in Las Vegas.

Now a New Orleans Pelican, Malcolm Hill has come a long way since his days at Illinois

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • July 21, 2024
Former Illini Giorgi Bezhanishvili warms up for the Indiana Pacers before their NBA Summer League game on July 14, 2024 in Las Vegas.

Q&A | Catching up with Illini fan favorite Giorgi Bezhanishvili

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • July 17, 2024
Former Illini Terrence Shannon Jr. drives to the basket during the Timberwolves loss to the 76ers at the 2024 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas on July 16.

Terrence Shannon Jr. quiet offensively in third NBA Summer League game

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • July 16, 2024
Marcus Domask talks to a teammate at a stoppage in play during the Chicago Bulls loss to the Golden State Warriors on July 14 at the 2024 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.

Bulls coach Billy Donovan III praises Marcus Domask despite limited minutes at NBA Summer League

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • July 15, 2024
Terrence Shannon Jr. runs down the court in the Timberwolves 2024 NBA Summer League game on July 14 against the Indiana Pacers.

Terrence Shannon Jr. has strong second half in Timberwolves NBA Summer League victory

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • July 14, 2024
Quincy Guerrier exits the court at halftime of the Toronto Raptors’ first NBA Summer League game on July 13, 2024.

Q&A | Quincy Guerrier talks transitioning from Illinois to pro basketball with Toronto Raptors

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • July 14, 2024
Brandin Podziemski poses as a freshman at Illinois on the team’s photo day. Podziemski ended up transferring to Santa Clara after his freshman year and was the No. 19 overall pick by the Warriors in the 2023 NBA Draft.

Former Illini Brandin Podziemski scores 16 in first game of 2024 NBA Summer League

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • July 13, 2024
Marcus Domask enters the game for the Chicago Bulls at the 2024 NBA Summer League on July 13 in Las Vegas.

Marcus Domask makes NBA Summer League debut for Bulls, discusses adjusting to pro game

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • July 13, 2024
Minnesota Timberwolves rookie and former Illini Terrence Shannon Jr. rises up for a dunk in his NBA Summer League debut on July 12, 2024 in Las Vegas.

Terrence Shannon Jr. impresses in NBA Summer League debut, scores 25

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • July 12, 2024
Joliet-native Jeremiah Fears poses for promotional photos after his commitment to Illinois.

Four-star guard Jeremiah Fears decommits from Illinois, will reopen recruitment

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • July 1, 2024
Former Illini Marcus Domask drills a jump shot in the second half against Northwestern on Jan. 2. Domask has signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Chicago Bulls.

Chicago Bulls sign Marcus Domask to Exhibit 10 deal

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • June 27, 2024
Former Illini Quincy Guerrier during a game against Oakland on Nov. 10, 2023. Guerrier has signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Toronto Raptors.

Quincy Guerrier agrees to Exhibit 10 deal with Toronto Raptors

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • June 27, 2024
Terrence Shannon Jr. smiles as he sinks in a free throw against Mizzou. Shannon was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the 27th pick of the 2024 NBA Draft.

Minnesota Timberwolves select Terrence Shannon Jr. in NBA Draft

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • June 26, 2024
Five-star prospect Will Riley poses with a basketball during an official visit to Illinois.

Five-star wing Will Riley commits to Illinois, reclassifies to 2024

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • June 23, 2024
Fifth year guard #0 Terrence Shannon Jr. excitedly walking back to Illinois’ bench after Purdue calls a timeout during the Illinois vs. Purdue game, March.

Terrence Shannon Jr.’s No. 0 jersey will hang in rafters at State Farm Center

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • June 20, 2024
Coleman Hawkins celebrates a big play against the Iowa Hawkeyes on Feb. 24. Hawkins committed to Kansas State on Friday after four years at Illinois.

Kansas State lands former Illini Coleman Hawkins via transfer portal

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • June 14, 2024
Head coach Brad Underwood embraces fifth year guard Terrence Shannon Jr. during senior night at the State Farm Center on March 5. Shannon has been found not guilty of sexual assault charges by a Kansas jury.

Not guilty: Illinois star Terrence Shannon Jr. acquitted by jury in rape case

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • June 13, 2024
Morez Johnson during a visit to the University in October 2021. The 6-foot-8 forward will join the Illini as a freshman this fall.

Illinois commits Morez Johnson and Jeremiah Fears win gold medal at FIBA U18 AmeriCup

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • June 9, 2024
Senior Forward Coleman Hawkins drives to the basket during a basketball game against Michigan on Feb 13.

Coleman Hawkins withdraws from NBA Draft, will transfer to new school

By Sahil Mittal, Senior Sports Reporter • May 29, 2024
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