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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 forward Leron Black (12) dunks the ball during the game against Purdue at the State Farm Center on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018. The Illini lost 93-86.

Illini men’s basketball year in review

By Thomas Polcyn, Illini hoops columnist • March 5, 2018
Illinois forward Leron Black (12) rises up for a shot during the game against Purdue at the State Farm Center on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018.

Illini’s best not enough for No. 9 Boilermakers

By Thomas Polcyn, Illini hoops columnist • February 22, 2018
Illinois guard Mark Alstork (24) looks to pass the ball during the game against Nebraska at the State Farm Center on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018.

Illini keep the Huskers from dancing: Sunday reaction column

By Thomas Polcyn, Illini hoops columnist • February 18, 2018
Illinois guard Trent Frazier (1) dribbles around his defender during the game against Indiana at State Farm Center on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018. The Illini won 73-71.

Penn State v. Illinois reaction

By Thomas Polcyn, Illini hoops columnist • February 14, 2018
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood watches his team from the sideline during the game against Indiana at State Farm Center on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018. The Illini won 73-71.

Illini hoops recruiting update: February 12

By Thomas Polcyn, Illini hoops columnist • February 12, 2018
Illinois guard Trent Frazier (1) gets a high five from Illinois guard Aaron Jordan (23) after hitting a three during the game against Wisconsin at the State Farm Center on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2018.

Illini v. Wisco reaction column

By Thomas Polcyn, Illini hoops columnist • February 11, 2018
Relentless Spartan offense too much for young Illini: Post-game reaction column

Relentless Spartan offense too much for young Illini: Post-game reaction column

By Thomas Polcyn, Illini hoops columnist • January 23, 2018

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a Big Ten basketball team

By Thomas Polcyn, Illini hoops columnist • January 18, 2018
Illinois guard Trent Frazier looks for an open man during the game against Augustana on Nov. 22. The team under Brad Underwood hasn’t performed quite as was anticipated.

Thoughts and predictions on Underwood after winter break

By Thomas Polcyn, Illini Hoops Colmnist • January 16, 2018

Florent Thamba commits to Baylor

By Thomas Polcyn, Illini hoops columnist • January 15, 2018
Illinois forward Michael Finke jumps for a slam dunk during the game against Augustana at the State Farm Center on Nov. 22.

Illinois men’s basketball is going in the right direction

By Thomas Polcyn, Illini hoops columnist • December 18, 2017
Illinois guard Aaron Jordan (23) drives to the basket during the game against DePaul at State Farm Center on Friday, Nov. 17, 2017.

Illini Hoops thoughts and observations: Longwood no match for Illini offense

By Thomas Polcyn, Illini hoops columnist • December 13, 2017
Illinois wins (66-56) over Chicago State on Wednesday, November 15th.

Illini’s and Cubs’ fanbases are not that different from each other

By Thomas Polcyn, Illini hoops columnist • December 13, 2017
Illinois forward Michael Finke (43) puts up a layup during the game against Austin Peay at State Farm Center on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017.

Thoughts and Observations from Illinois v. Austin Peay

By Thomas Polcyn, Illini Hoops Columnist • December 7, 2017
Illinois guard Trent Frazier shoots a three during the game against DePaul at State Farm Center on Friday, Nov. 17, 2017.

Illinois v. Maryland: Thoughts and Observations

By Thomas Polcyn, Illini hoops columnist • December 6, 2017
Illinois forward Michael Finke (43) looks to pass the ball during the game against North Carolina Central at State Farm Center on Nov. 24. Illinois forward Michael Finke (43) looks to pass the ball during the game against North Carolina Central at State Farm Center on Nov. 24. Illinois lost its first game against Wake Forest on Tuesday, which Illini hoops columnist Thomas Polcyn says could be a good learning experience for the young team.

Takeaways and reactions from Illinois vs. Wake Forest

By Thomas Polcyn, Illini hoops columnist • December 1, 2017
Illinois guard Mark Alstork (24) goes up for a dunk during the game against Augustana at State Farm Center on Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2017.

Illini basketball heads to Wake Forest for biggest test to date

By Thomas Polcyn, Illini hoops columnist • November 28, 2017
Illinois guard Mark Smith (13) drives to the basket during the game against Tennessee-Martin at State Farm Center on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017. The Illini won 77-74.

Illinois gets ready for challenging matchup with DePaul

By Thomas Polcyn, Illini hoops columnist • November 16, 2017
Illinois guard Mark Smith drives to the basket during the game against Tennessee-Martin at State Farm Center on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017.

Thoughts and Observations: Illinois vs. UT-Martin

By Thomas Polcyn, Illini hoops columnist • November 12, 2017
Illinois forward Kipper Nichols goes up for a layup during a game against Southern at State Farm Center on Friday, Nov. 10, 2017.

Illini seek 600th win at State Farm Center in Sunday matchup with UT-Martin

By Thomas Polcyn, Illini hoops columnist • November 12, 2017
Illinois guard Mark Alstork (24) celebrates during the game against Southern at State Farm Center on Friday, Nov. 10, 2017.

Observations and thoughts from game one of the Underwood era

By Thomas Polcyn, Illini hoops columnist • November 11, 2017
Illinois forward Kipper Nichols shoots a free throw after a technical foul during the exhibition game against Eastern Illinois at Lantz Arena in Charleston, Illinois, on Nov. 3. Head coach Brad Underwood is having his team take a more aggressive approach this season.

New era begins as Illini take on Jaguars

By Thomas Polcyn, Illini hoops columnist • November 9, 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.

Illini set for exhibition at Eastern Illinois

By Thomas Polcyn, Illini hoops columnist • November 2, 2017
Talen Horton-Tucker commits to Iowa State

Talen Horton-Tucker commits to Iowa State

By Thomas Polcyn, Illini hoops columnist • October 26, 2017
Illinois TeJon Lucas (3) brings the ball up the court during the game against Northwestern at State Farm Center on Tuesday, February 21.

Illini basketball: Breaking down the guards

By Thomas Polcyn, Illini hoops columnist • October 26, 2017
Illinois head basketball coach Brad Underwood answers questions from the media during the media day press conference at the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics building on Wednesday, October 11.

Ayo Dosunmu: Illinois’ early, anticipated present

By Thomas Polcyn, Illini hoops columnist • October 23, 2017
Illinois head basketball coach Brad Underwood answers questions from the media during the media day press conference at the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics building on Wednesday, October 11.

Brad Underwood is just what Illinois needs to succeed

By Thomas Polcyn, Illini hoops columnist • October 16, 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.

Four-star Illini basketball target commits to Michigan

By Thomas Polcyn, Illini hoops columnist • October 4, 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.

Illinois basketball target George Conditt commits to Iowa State

By Thomas Polcyn, Illini hoops columnist • October 2, 2017
New Fighting Illini basketball coach Brad Underwood speaks at the Statefarm Center on Monday, Mar 20 2017.

Illini basketball recruiting update

By Thomas Polcyn, Illini hoops columnist • September 28, 2017
Illini basketball ready for a big recruiting month in October

Illini basketball ready for a big recruiting month in October

By Thomas Polcyn, Illini hoops columnist • September 21, 2017
Illini Avengers: comparing the Illinois basketball coaching staff to the Avengers

Illini Avengers: comparing the Illinois basketball coaching staff to the Avengers

By Thomas Polcyn, Illini hoops columnist • September 18, 2017
Point Guard Tyler Underwood dribbles past a defender during his time at Oklahoma State. Underwood transferred to the University of Illinois after his dad left Oklahoma State to become the new Illini head basketball coach.

Underwood duo ushers in new era of Illinois basketball

By Thomas Polcyn, Illini hoops columnist • September 11, 2017
2018 priority target set for Illini visit this weekend

2018 priority target set for Illini visit this weekend

By Thomas Polcyn, Illini Hoops columnist • August 31, 2017
Illinois TeJon Lucas goes up for a layup off a fast break during the game against Northwestern at State Farm Center on Feb. 21. Lucas has increased his vertical by 6 1/2 inches.

Offseason workouts, diet pay off for Illinois men’s basketball

By Thomas Polcyn, Illini Hoops columnist • August 28, 2017
Illinois TeJon Lucas (3) puts up a floater during the game against Northwestern at State Farm Center on Tuesday, February 21.

Breaking down the Illinois Basketball 2017 schedule

By Thomas Polcyn, Illini hoops columnist • August 27, 2017
Illinois’ Michael Massey hits the ball during the game against Northwestern at Illinois Field on April 15. The Ilini lost 11-4.

Gerber, team surge at end of baseball season

By Thomas Polcyn, Staff writer • May 8, 2017
Illinois starting pitcher Cyrillo Watson (22) delivers a pitch against Maryland at Illinois Field on Saturday, May 6.

Illinois baseball walks off to win game and series agianst No. 24 Maryland

By Thomas Polcyn, Staff writer • May 7, 2017
Illinois second baseman Michael Massey makes the tag on Western Michigans Tyler Frank at Illinois Field on April 18.

Illinois beats SIU to extend streak to three

By Thomas Polcyn, Staff writer • May 2, 2017
Michael Massey comes into home against Western Michigan at Illinois Field on April 18.

Massey wins Big Ten Freshman of the Week for second-straight week

By Thomas Polcyn, Staff writer • May 2, 2017
Pat McInerney takes a swing against Penn State on March 27, 2016 at Illinois Field.

Illinois baseball heads to SIU for final weekday matchup

By Thomas Polcyn, Staff writer • May 2, 2017
Illinois’ Jack Yalowitz hits a single against Western Michigan at Illinois Field on April 18. The Illini swept a double-header in their series win against Minnesota.

Illini sweep doubleheader in series win against Minnesota

By Thomas Polcyn, Staff writer • May 1, 2017
Illini plays against Indiana State on April 5.

Illinois baseball to face tough weekend in Minnesota

By Thomas Polcyn, Staff writer • April 29, 2017
Illinois catcher Mark Skonieczny catches a third strike against Western Michigan at Illinois Field on Tuesday. Illinois travels to Purdue this weekend to inch closer to a .500 record.

Illinois baseball continues hot streak into weekend at Purdue

By Thomas Polcyn, Staff writer • April 20, 2017
Illinois Jack Yalowitz gets ready to hit against Northwestern at Illinois Field on April 15.

Illini baseball takes rubber match with Northwestern

By Thomas Polcyn, Staff writer • April 17, 2017
Illinois Michael Massey hits a pop fly against Bradley at Illinois Field on Tuesday, March 28. The team recently beat Illinois State 6-5. It will play Northwestern in a three-game series this weekend.

Illinois baseball beats Illinois State, ready for weekend series against Northwestern

By Thomas Polcyn, Staff writer • April 13, 2017
Illinois Doran Turchin (20) runs to first base during the game against Bradley at Illinois Field on Tuesday, March 28.

Surging Illini ready for weekend series with No. 18 Michigan

By Thomas Polcyn, Staff writer • April 6, 2017
Illinois starting pitcher Ty Weber (7) delivers the pitch during the game against Indiana State at Illinois Field on Saturday, April 1.

Illinois baseball ready for rematch with Mizzou

By Thomas Polcyn, Staff writer • April 4, 2017
Illinois Pat McInerney singles against Eastern Illinois on Tuesday, April 5. The senior had a double and drew a walk against Bradley.

New location, same results for Illinois baseball over spring break

By Thomas Polcyn, Staff writer • March 27, 2017
Illinois starting pitcher Quinten Sefcik delivers the pitch during the first inning of the game against Eastern Illinois at Illini Field on Tuesday, April 5. Sefcik pitched four innings and gave up seven hits and two runs. The Illini won 9-7.

Hartleb, Illinois baseball happy to be home

By Thomas Polcyn, Assistant sports editor • March 15, 2017
Illinois Luke Shilling hits a double down the right field line scoring Pat McInerney in the game against Eastern Illinois at Illini Field on Tuesday, April 5. The Illini won 9-7.

Illinois fails to make adjustments, goes 1-2 at FAU

By Thomas Polcyn, Assistant sports editor • March 6, 2017
Illinois’ Luke Shilling swings at a pitch in a game against St. Louis on April 17..Shilling has been adjusting to being the Friday starter

Illini baseball heads to Boca Raton for three-game series with FAU

By Thomas Polcyn, Assistant sports editor • March 2, 2017
Nick Blackburn pitches the ball at the Illini Field on April 17, 2016. Illinois played against Saint Louis and won 6-2.

Youth of Illinois baseball team continues to shine

By Thomas Polcyn, Assistant sports editor • March 1, 2017
Illinois’ Jack Yalowitz delivers the pitch on April 5. Yalowitz has not showed his youth, becoming one of the Illini’s most reliable.

Illini of the Week Feb. 22: Jack Yalowitz

By Thomas Polcyn, Assistant sports editor • February 23, 2017
Illinois right fielder Jack Yalowitz gets ready to catch a fly ball during game two of the series against St. Louis University at Illinois Field on Saturday, April 16. The Illini won 3-1.

Age is just a number to Hartleb and the Illini baseball team

By Thomas Polcyn, Assistant sports editor • February 15, 2017
Illinois head coach Dan Hartleb (24) looks on to the field before the baseball game v. Purdue at Illinois Field on Saturday, Apr. 11, 2015. Illinois won 10-5.

Illinois baseball’s Hartleb confident in his young guys heading into opening weekend

By Thomas Polcyn, Assistant sports editor • February 10, 2017
Illinois Kandie Bloch-Jones attempts the high jump during the Orange and Blue meet on Saturday, February 20, 2016. Illinois will host and compete next at the Twilight meet on Saturday, April 22.

Bloch-Jones and Seymour Lead Illinois to Success at Illini Classic

By Thomas Polcyn, Assistant sports editor • January 19, 2017
Illinois Tyson Bull performs a routine on the parallel bars during the meet against Stanford at Huff Hall on Friday, March 6, 2017. Bull helped the Illini win the Windy City Invitational with a title on the horizontal bar.

Illini men’s gymnastics wins third straight Windy City Invitational

By Thomas Polcyn, Assistant sports editor • January 17, 2017
Illinois Micheal Hyc winds up during the weight throw in the Orange & Blue Meet at the Armory on Saturday Feb. 20, 2016.

Illinois men’s track wins five event titles to secure Illini Classic

By Thomas Polcyn, Assistant sports editor • January 17, 2017
Illinois Isaiah Martinez starting off strong against Penn States Jason Nolf during the wrestling match vs. Penn State at Huff Hall on January 23, 2016.

Illinois wrestling drops match against No. 4 Ohio State

By Thomas Polcyn, Assistant sports editor • January 17, 2017
Students celebrate after the Cubs win Game 7 of the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday, November 2 at Joes Brewery.

These are not the same old Chicago Cubs

By Thomas Polcyn, Assistant sports editor • November 2, 2016
Illinois mens golf continues to thrive without team leaders

Illinois men’s golf continues to thrive without team leaders

By Thomas Polcyn, Assistant sports editor • September 13, 2016
The men keeping it together at the Illini Challenge 2015 at the Arboretum on September 4.

Men’s Cross Country looking for strong seasons from Reiser, Lafond

By Thomas Polcyn, Assistant sports editor • September 1, 2016
Illinois basketballs Nichols to miss start of fall season

Illinois basketball’s Nichols to miss start of fall season

By Thomas Polcyn, Assistant sports editor • August 24, 2016
The men taking off at the Illini Challenge 2015 at the Arboretum on September 4.

Men’s Cross Country looking for strong seasons from Reiser, Lafond

By Thomas Polcyn, Assistant sports editor • August 23, 2016
These sisters form a triangle with their arms and hands, showing sorority pride during Bid Day on Monday, Sept. 15, 2014.

Overcoming the first challenges of studying at the University

By Thomas Polcyn, Assistant sports editor • August 12, 2016
Dallas Mavericks guard Deron Williams (8) shoots the ball during the first half on Monday, March 7, 2016, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. (Andy Jacobsohn/Dallas Morning News/TNS)

Eleven years later: Comparing Illinois and North Carolina alumni in the NBA

By Thomas Polcyn • March 28, 2016
Louise Kwong does a two handed rally at the Atkins Tennis Center on Febrary 26, 2016 against Northwestern. Illini lost 3-4.

Illinois women's tennis finishes perfect spring break record with win over Maryland

By Thomas Polcyn • March 27, 2016
Illinois Carly Thomas (25) attempts to make contact with the ball during the softball game v. Purdue at Eichelberger Field on Sunday, April 26, 2015. Purdue won 8-7.

Illinois softball team plays in first home games of the season in double-header against IUPUI

By Thomas Polcyn • March 15, 2016
Illinois Kendra Zeman takes a shot during the game against Alabama at the Activities and Recreation Center on February 12. The Illini won 56-47.

Illinois wheelchair basketball teams fall short at nationals

By Thomas Polcyn • March 13, 2016
Illinois head coach Matt Buchi talks to his team during a time out in the game against Arizona State University at the Activities and Recreation Center on February 13. The Illini won 69-43.

Illinois men’s wheelchair basketball team ready to make a run at nationals

By Thomas Polcyn • March 9, 2016
Illinois Megan Blunk gets ready to take a layup during the game against Alabama at the Activities and Recreation Center on Feb. 12. The Illini won 56-47.

Illinois women’s wheelchair basketball goes into nationals as top seed

By Thomas Polcyn • March 8, 2016
Illinois Megan Blunk gets ready to take a shot during the game against Alabama at the Activities and Recreation Center on Feb. 12. The Illini won 56-47.

Illinois wheelchair basketball teams prepare for nationals

By Thomas Polcyn • March 1, 2016
Illinois Gail Gaeng takes a free throw during the game against Alabama at the Activities and Recreation Center on February 12. The Illini won 56-47.

Illinois wheelchair basketball teams to play in final regular season tournament at Alabama

By Thomas Polcyn • February 26, 2016
Illinois Gail Gaeng (3) attempts a shot during the wheelchair basketball game v. Alabama at the ARC on Friday, Feb. 12, 2016. Illinois won 56-47.

Illini of the Week Feb. 17: Gail Gaeng

By Thomas Polcyn • February 17, 2016
Illinois Megan Blunk puts up a layup during one of the Illinis weekend games against Alabama at the ARC 

Illinois wheelchair basketball teams succeed in final home tournament of season

By Thomas Polcyn • February 15, 2016
Illinois head coach Matt Buchi talks with his players during a time-out at the wheelchair basketball game vs. Missouri at the ARC on Feb. 13. 

Illini wheelchair basketball teams prep for final home tournament of the season

By Thomas Polcyn • February 12, 2016

Wheelchair hoops player Michael Mitchell returns from broken femur

By Thomas Polcyn • February 3, 2016
Illinois head coach Matt Buchi talks with his players during a time-out at the wheelchair basketball game vs. Missouri at the ARC on Feb. 13. 

Illinois wheelchair basketball teams to face tough test at Auburn

By Thomas Polcyn • January 28, 2016
Illinois head coach Stephanie Wheeler talks with her team during the wheelchair basketball game v. UWW at the ARC on Friday, Feb. 13, 2015. Illinois won 50-42.

Illini women’s wheelchair basketball set up for second half of season

By Thomas Polcyn • January 26, 2016

Wheelchair basketball finding its rhythm heading into winter break

By Thomas Polcyn • December 9, 2015
Illinois Wheelchair basketball reflects on loss of founder Timothy Nugent

Illinois Wheelchair basketball reflects on loss of founder Timothy Nugent

By Thomas Polcyn • December 1, 2015
Illinois Derek Hoot (30) attempts a shot during the wheelchair basketball game v. Missouri at the ARC on Friday, Feb. 13, 2015. Illinois won 53-46.

Men’s wheelchair basketball coach leads Team USA in Japanese tournament

By Thomas Polcyn • November 18, 2015
Illinois Gail Gaeng (3) readies up for a shot during the wheelchair basketball game v. UWW at the ARC on Friday, Feb. 13, 2015. Illinois won 50-42.

Illinois men's, women's wheelchair teams head to Wisconsin-Whitewater

By Thomas Polcyn • November 16, 2015
Illinois Ryan Neiswender goes for a shot during the game against Missouri at the Activities and Recreation Center on Friday, February 13, 2015.The Illini won 53-46.

Wheelchair basketball teams go winless on weekend

By Thomas Polcyn • November 10, 2015
Illinois Gail Gaeng readies for a shot during the wheelchair basketball game against Wisconsin-Whitewater at the ARC on Feb. 13. Gaeng is one of two Illini — the other is Megan Blunk — who qualified for the 2016 Rio Paralympics with Team USA.

Gail Gaeng Dominates in tournament as Illini split games on opening weekend

By Thomas Polcyn • November 2, 2015

Men’s wheelchair basketball team takes two of three games on opening weekend

By Thomas Polcyn • October 26, 2015

Junior basketball player Derek Hoot thriving at Illinois

By Thomas Polcyn • October 19, 2015

Men’s wheelchair basketball team continues preseason without head coach

By Thomas Polcyn • October 18, 2015

Senior wheelchair basketball Player aims to make impact on and off the court

By Thomas Polcyn • October 14, 2015

Mak Nong's long wheelchair basketball career serving him well as Illini captain

By Thomas Polcyn • October 8, 2015

Women’s wheelchair basketball coach Stephanie Wheeler translates national success to Illinois

By Thomas Polcyn • October 5, 2015

Wheelchair basketball’s Shelby Gruss and her love for the game

By Thomas Polcyn • September 24, 2015

Illinois wheelchair basketball in midst of offseason grind

By Thomas Polcyn • September 16, 2015
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