Inside Illini Basketball

Illinois answered its first test in the wake of Terrence Shannon Jr.'s suspension, but beating Fairleigh Dickinson is not handling the grind of the 19 remaining Big Ten games. Beat writer Scott Richey dives into where Illinois goes from here — who has to lead the way — in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Illinois is trending in the right direction. At least when it comes to the AP Top 25. The 8-2 Illini moved up to No. 13 nationally this week ahead of a Friday Braggin' Rights showdown with Missouri. Can Illinois keep up its momentum through the holidays? Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Illinois' extended road trip yielded a 2-1 record, with a dominant Big Ten road win at Rutgers, a Top 25 victory against Florida Atlantic and a close road loss in another ranked matchup at Tennessee. Not perfect, but still positive. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Beat writer Scott Richey was live from New York City for this week's Inside Illini Basketball. How Illinois follows up its dominant Big Ten road win at Rutgers in a challenging week will go a long way in establishing just what kind of team Brad Underwood has. One thing that's clear? Terrence Shannon Jr. has played like one of the best players in the country.

Illinois won't play at State Farm Center again until Dec. 17 with three huge games away from home on tap. How Terrence Shannon Jr. and Co. fare against Rutgers, Florida Atlantic and Tennessee will provide a true look at what this Illinois team could be in 2023-24. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Terrence Shannon Jr. has been as advertised in the first month of the season with two-way production that has, at times, dragged Illinois to its early-season wins. But he can't be all the Illini have offensively, and the point guard question continues to linger over the team — particularly as injuries seem to be mounting. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illin...

It's a small sample size — just two games — but Illinois' defense is at the crux of its early-season success. Led by Terrence Shannon Jr., who could make a case for Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year if he continues to play the way he has so far. But the challenge picks up with Marquette in town this week and, not far away, a tough December. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in th...

The first week of the college basketball season might not have all that many great matchups, but that doesn't change the fact that it's basketball season! Our excited beat writer Scott Richey breaks down what that means for Illinois heading into the 2023-24 season in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Charity exhibitions in the last week have provided a unique perspective heading into the 2023-24 season. It's easier to evaluate teams when they play commensurate competition than the typical collection of D-II, D-III and NAIA opponents. Said evaluation of Illinois after its win against No. 1 Kansas should probably change. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illi...

It was a single exhibition game against an NAIA opponent — and an expected blowout no less — but there were some real positives in Illinois' big win against Ottawa (Kan.). Like Marcus Domask. Doing it again this weekend against No. 1 Kansas will be the true measuring stick. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Illinois will enter the 2023-24 season as the No. 25 team in the country after the preseason Associated Press Top 25 poll dropped Monday. Beat writer Scott Richey, who has a vote, discusses the Illini's standing and what he'll be looking for in Friday's exhibition game in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Illinois was picked to finish fourth in the Big Ten, with Terrence Shannon Jr. and Coleman Hawkins earning All-Big Ten honors, in the only preseason poll that matters. Beat writer Scott Richey, who voted in it, discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Illinois will get officially underway for the 2023-24 college basketball season with a first practice Friday. That's when we'll start to figure out if the team can shoot it better, if the veteran additions can make a difference and if Terrence Shannon Jr. has embraced being a leader. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more (like recruiting) in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Ballots are due soon — like this week soon — for preseason All-Big Ten honors handed out by both the conference and its beat writers (the legit ones that also included ranking all 14 teams). Terrence Shannon Jr. is a lock. Coleman Hawkins has to be in the mix, too. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that, Monday's official start to the season and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

We're less than 50 days away from the start of the 2023-24 college basketball season. The start of official practices is even closer — like next week closer. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that, recruiting and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

From a weekend of visitors to new offers for high school freshmen, recruiting never really ends in college basketball. Illinois has some spots to fill in the Class of 2024 — particularly at guard — but Brad Underwood and Co. are laying the foundation in future classes, too. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Beat writer Scott Richey answers listener questions, including an intriguing one about Ty Rodgers and his "booty ball" potential, in this week's episode of Inside Illini Basketball.

It's game week ... for Illinois football. But with September right around the corner, Brad Underwood can take advantage of those Saturday (or Friday) gamedays and get prospective recruits on campus. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

It's mid-August. How much could actually be happening in college basketball? At Illinois, as it turns out, quite a bit. The biggest news, of course, is Bill Self's return to Assem ... er, State Farm Center. Especially since he's bringing Hunter Dickinson with him. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that, more on Illinois' trip to Spain and the Kingfisher in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Illinois wrapped up its trip to Spain with a 3-0 record and enough evidence that Dain Dainja, who averaged a double-double, could be a significant part of the team's success this coming season. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Change is afoot in the Big Ten. Football has driven the league's expansion, but how will basketball be affected? Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that, Illinois' trip to Spain and Terrence Shannon Jr. elevating his game in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

The end of summer is nigh. Recruiting is moving from offer season to narrow-it-down season. Foreign tours will soon be underway. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more — from recruits to know to Illinois' trip to Spain — in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Illinois added to its 2024 recruiting class Sunday with a commitment from Yorkville's Jason Jakstys — a second in-state prospect to go with Thornton's Morez Johnson Jr. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Summer workouts — plus actual practices ahead of the trip to Spain — continue in Champaign. But it's mid-July, and there's not much else happening. Beat writer Scott Richey hits on a couple Illinois basketball items of note before diving into questions marks for every Big Ten team in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

July is just as busy as any other month on the basketball calendar. At nearly every level. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses it all — Peach Jam, NBA Summer League, recruiting and summer workouts.