This feels like the scene in Office Space when Peter asks Lawrence if he ever gets asked if he has a case of the Mondays
Illini Basketball 2026-2027
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illini55
- The Villages, FL
I think he was subtle in suggesting Lantern was our shining light??
illini55
- The Villages, FL
Christian---
Enjoyed the interview very much. As your skill set improves with time, I'd suggest more pointed questions. You do have a tendency to think out loud while you're composing the interview inquiries. Keep at it, you're going to be great as experience rounds your edges.
Why isn't MLT coaching somewhere?
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
Every year when the schedule is released, it plsses me off more and more that we don't have a protected 2-game series with Iowa. I would go as far as to say that to suggest something like Iowa / Nebraska, Iowa / Wisconsin, Illinois / Northwestern, etc. is the more logical pairing is simply to try to erase history and practically gaslight Big Ten basketball fans. 
I flat-out guarantee you that most Illini and Iowa fans would take a protected rivalry vs. each other vs. the alternatives. If you appointed me commish tomorrow, these would be the protected rivalries ... and remember, as seen in football, (A) not every team needs one and (B) not every team needs the same number. I erred on the side of caution and didn't include some that really should exist (e.g., Illinois / Indiana) just to trim the list down a bit.
Illinois - Iowa, Northwestern
Indiana - Purdue
Iowa - Illinois, Nebraska
Maryland - N/A
Michigan - Michigan State, Ohio State
Michigan State - Michigan
Minnesota - Wisconsin
Nebraska - Iowa
Northwestern - Illinois
Ohio State - Michigan
Oregon - Washington
Penn State - N/A
Purdue - Indiana
Rutgers - N/A
UCLA - USC
USC - UCLA
Washington - Oregon
Wisconsin - Minnesota
I could take or leave some geographic considerations, too (e.g., PSU / Rutgers / Maryland since they're close).
Okay, rant over!
I flat-out guarantee you that most Illini and Iowa fans would take a protected rivalry vs. each other vs. the alternatives. If you appointed me commish tomorrow, these would be the protected rivalries ... and remember, as seen in football, (A) not every team needs one and (B) not every team needs the same number. I erred on the side of caution and didn't include some that really should exist (e.g., Illinois / Indiana) just to trim the list down a bit.Illinois - Iowa, Northwestern
Indiana - Purdue
Iowa - Illinois, Nebraska
Maryland - N/A
Michigan - Michigan State, Ohio State
Michigan State - Michigan
Minnesota - Wisconsin
Nebraska - Iowa
Northwestern - Illinois
Ohio State - Michigan
Oregon - Washington
Penn State - N/A
Purdue - Indiana
Rutgers - N/A
UCLA - USC
USC - UCLA
Washington - Oregon
Wisconsin - Minnesota
I could take or leave some geographic considerations, too (e.g., PSU / Rutgers / Maryland since they're close).
Okay, rant over!
Definitely worth noting that this assumes JT Toppin plays in that game, which almost certainly isn't happening...
My friend last time you went on an extended rant it ended with the 1LL1NO1S jerseys being sunsetted...
Not saying that there is a direct correlation there but the more people talk about these very reasonable grievances on all channels, the more likely it'll motivate someone somewhere with influence to make a change!
Coaching is a serious grind. He could be the most knowledgeable basketball mind on planet Earth and I wouldn't blame him for passing on that opportunity.
Who is the 1st player? He doesn't look familiar.
I really hope Mirk isn't crushed under the weight of expectations. He wasn't even on all B1G team last year due to Keaton's high usage. And now his floor seems to be 1st team All B1G / third team All American. We still have no idea how much that injury set him back in terms of his body transformation and the 2026-27 scheme (with 3 new starters besides him).
I remember that game well, I was in the Orange Krush (called the Orange Krunch, back then) and we were undefeated until Steve Lanter's injury. We were riding high until he got hurt, but after losing him, it was all downhill from there. The next time I saw him play was at McKendree College, and he was wearing a huge knee brace. Even though his injury sent the 1978-79 season to hell in a handbasket, Steve's company did make a 2.5 donation to the Illinois Basketball program in 2021...helping to build the program we have today.... https://fightingillini.com/news/202...nus-lanter-gives-2-5-million-to-ubben-project
CrazedUIFan
UI Fan in QC Land
It is part of what separates the good from the great! You either lean in or fade. He doesn’t seem like the type to fade.
Just a reminder
1. QC
2. Vaaks
3. Andre
4. Mirk
5. T-Ivisic
6th - Jake Davis
7th - Big Z
8th - Ethan Brown
9th - Morillo/Williams
10th - Zens
1. QC
2. Vaaks
3. Andre
4. Mirk
5. T-Ivisic
6th - Jake Davis
7th - Big Z
8th - Ethan Brown
9th - Morillo/Williams
10th - Zens
ptgrd23
- orange county CA
Greatest Illini games I have attended
Upset Magic Johnson (eventual NCAA champs) at home 1979
Beat Missouri at 1989 Bragging Rights - Flying Illini
Beat Indiana at Bloomington on Nick Anderson 1/2 court shot at buzzer - Flying Illini
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Projected starting lineups, biggest preseason battles for each high-major team as first practices get underway
What are the biggest lineup questions and position battles to know as college basketball practices begin this week?
www.cbssports.com
“Illinois
Projected starting lineup- G Stefan Vaaks
- G Quentin Coleman
- G Andrej Stojakovic
- F David Mirkovic (when healthy)
- C Tomislav Ivisic
Biggest preseason battle: What is the offensive hierarchy without the brilliant Keaton Wagler? David Mirkovic was trending toward being the big man on campus before his summer foot injury. That's opened the door for Andrej Stojakovic and Providence transfer Stefan Vaaks to audition for the keys to an Illinoisoffense with immaculate spacing, thanks to the nation's best-shooting frontcourt.”
So, so excited about the team.Projected starting lineups, biggest preseason battles for each high-major team as first practices get underway
What are the biggest lineup questions and position battles to know as college basketball practices begin this week?
“Illinois
Projected starting lineup
Top reserves: F Jake Davis, C Zvonimir Ivisic, G Lincoln Williams, F Landon Davis, G Ethan Brown, G Lucas Morillo, F Jason Jakstys
- G Stefan Vaaks
- G Quentin Coleman
- G Andrej Stojakovic
- F David Mirkovic (when healthy)
- C Tomislav Ivisic
Biggest preseason battle: What is the offensive hierarchy without the brilliant Keaton Wagler? David Mirkovic was trending toward being the big man on campus before his summer foot injury. That's opened the door for Andrej Stojakovic and Providence transfer Stefan Vaaks to audition for the keys to an Illinoisoffense with immaculate spacing, thanks to the nation's best-shooting frontcourt.”
Not worried once we get into our half court sets or leverage Dre, Coleman, and Williams getting downhill in transition... BUT I do wonder how we will fill the Wagler-sized gap in ball handling. Many times he would progress the ball against Yaxel and UConn hounding him the full length of the court. Rarely TO'd the ball despite all that pressure.
I do trust our coaching staff to solve those scenarios knowing an Izzo, Boynton, Hurley, etc. will throw those defensive looks at us at some point in the game. But will be reassuring once we see it executed in high stakes games/situations.
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