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Illinois Quickly Rises in Jon Rothstein's Rankings – But Should the Illini be Higher?

Illinois Quickly Rises in Jon Rothstein's Rankings – But Should the Illini be Higher?

Especially in a sport as fluid and reliant on team chemistry as basketball, it’s difficult to get an accurate read on teams in the preseason. Even early in the season, specifically before a squad faces a worthy foe, it can be tough to get a read on its quality.

Gabe Jacas News / Big Ten Network / November 12
Brad Underwood News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / November 12
Illinois' Brad Underwood on Confidence of Winning and 'Knowing We Got Punched'

Illinois' Brad Underwood on Confidence of Winning and 'Knowing We Got Punched'

Tuesday offered the first hint of legitimacy of the months of speculation from many of us keeping tabs on Illinois basketball: These Illini are contenders.After an 81-77 win over No.

College Basketball News / Field Level Media / November 12
Clutch block allows No. 14 Illinois to edge No. 11 Texas Tech

Clutch block allows No. 14 Illinois to edge No. 11 Texas Tech

Andrej Stojakovic scored 23 points and made the big defensive play Tuesday night as No. 14 Illinois held off No. 11 Texas Tech 81-77 in Champaign, Ill.

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Brad Underwood News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / November 11
Illinois' Brad Underwood Compares Current Backcourt to Legendary Illini Duo

Illinois' Brad Underwood Compares Current Backcourt to Legendary Illini Duo

Early in the offseason, the expectation was Illinois’ 2025-26 starting backcourt featuring Mihailo Petrovic and Kylan Boswell would be one of the best 1-2 perimeter punches in the Big Ten.

College Basketball News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / November 10

Preview: Illinois Basketball vs. Texas Tech (Game 3)

We're still going to need some time to figure out exactly what the 2025-26 Illinois men's basketball team can become, but as of now, the No. 14 Illini already look like something pretty special.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / November 9
Is Illinois Basketball a Top-Five Team in the Country? What the Metrics Say

Is Illinois Basketball a Top-Five Team in the Country? What the Metrics Say

Just two games into the 2025-26 season, this Illinois team has been breathtakingly impressive. Sure, both of its opponents were mid-majors, but the level coach Brad Underwood’s club has been operating at is still head-and-shoulders above initial expectations – and, mind you, those were high.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / Big Ten Network / November 9
Illinois Fighting Illini News / Big Ten Network / November 8
Illinois Fighting Illini News / Illinois Fighting Illini on SI / November 8
Illinois Offers JUCO Offensive Lineman Alfred Washington: What It Means

Illinois Offers JUCO Offensive Lineman Alfred Washington: What It Means

With Illinois off this week, Bret Bielema and his staff have been pedal to the metal on the recruiting front, especially when it comes to junior college prospects.

Illinois Fighting Illini News / NBC Sports / November 7
Brad Underwood News / Yardbarker / September 24
With recruiting rules in flux, Illinois HC calls NCAA a 'comedy'

With recruiting rules in flux, Illinois HC Brad Underwood calls NCAA a 'comedy'

Illinois head coach Brad Underwood says if the NCAA is going to change its recruiting rules to allow athletes to play five seasons of competition over a five-year span, he wants a decision to come ASAP.

Former G League pro granted NCAA eligibility in landmark ruling
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