Recent content by combes1

Not a great list. Not sure of the criteria. But Kyle Smith in the top 10? Really? Over Painter, Izzo, etc.? He has been to one NCAA tournament in 15 years. A round of 32 appearance.

Winfield was a 3-sport star in high school. Chose to take a baseball scholarship to Minnesota. He was hardly a random intramural guy “discovered” for basketball. It more was convincing him to play multiple sports.

Illinois has 4 Serbian players. A 5th has Serbian heritage but has lived in the USA for most of his life.

The new name is not a big change. Memorial Stadium to Gies Memorial Stadium. Beilema and Underwood have been great hires for the main sports.

I know Illinois loves Morillo. Of course, so does Minnesota and lots of other schools. Morillo is Dominican. Illinois’ hope is assistant Orlando Antigua who is also Dominican and has close ties with their national team.

Cal was 14-19 last year and lost it’s one star player.

Final Four team. I was at the Minnesota game. Illinois scuffled for a few games after losing Kendall Gill to injury. Only lost 5 games all season and only one with Gill in the lineup. 31-5 Great win for Minnesota, though. Anderson and Battle are all time Illini greats. Lowell Hamilton and...

Without checking, I believe Illinois has 5 also: Texas Tech, Alabama, Missouri, Tennessee, UConn. Coach says they are looking for another, too.

It can happen. Ben Humrichous played three years at Huntington before going to Evansville for a year then to Illinois. I will say that adjusting to competition level of the Big Ten was tough at times for Humrichous, but he came on strong late. I expect him to shoot it better with a year of...

Illinois is not listed as a top portal team as they only had two transfers. The other top players were Euros who count as recruits.

no doubt he is a very good coach. The Big Ten is filled with very good coaches. Still comes down to talent.

Underwood is a glutton for punishment. Confirmed games: Tennessee, UConn, Alabama, Missouri, Texas Tech Illinois went 2-3 against a similar gauntlet last season. I’m torn on whether this is a good idea.

I know Washington has fared well in the portal. Northwestern is always better than predicted and have the returning leading scorer in the league. Lots of unknowns right now. Indiana has a new coach but has added a lot of talent.

I don’t think Illinois will play in one. Underwood prefers the single game high profile matchups. Pretty sure they are playing Tennessee and Alabama again. Expect a couple more.

It’s been updated since this one.