When this Illini basketball team lost to UConn at Madison Square Garden on Black Friday, it was a game that didn't receive much hype. After all, it was an early tip-off on the day after Thanksgiving, on many people were more focused on food, shopping, holiday season activities and football than they were on basketball. And then the game itself lived down to the lack of hype, … [Read more...] about Illini Basketball Game Preview, Prediction: Final Four vs UConn
2026 NBA Mock Draft Version 9.0
Happy March Madness everyone! Yes, the Final Four is now finally here, and The Sports Bank's 2026 NBA mock draft version 9.0 is coming to you live from press row at Lucas Oli Satdium in Indianapolis. Yes, The Sports Bank is media credentialed for the NCAA Men's Final Four in Indy! And there are plenty of top tier NBA Draft prospects to interview and analyze. We're also the … [Read more...] about 2026 NBA Mock Draft Version 9.0
Chelsea Team News vs Port Vale: Reece James, Benoit Badiashile, Jamie Gittens, Filip Jorgensen
Not sure what Chelsea did to deserve their FA Cup draw, but if you're a Blues supporter, I'm sure you're loving it right now. Their opponent, Port Vale, is dead last in the League One, the third tier of English football. So this is a clash between the 6th place and 68th place teams in the overall pyramid. The southwest London club does have a long injury list though, and we'll … [Read more...] about Chelsea Team News vs Port Vale: Reece James, Benoit Badiashile, Jamie Gittens, Filip Jorgensen
Arsenal Early Team News at Southampton: Saliba, Trossard, Gabriel, Eze, Odegaard
It was a brutal international break for Arsenal, as they saw nine, yes nine players withdraw from their national teams due to injury and/or fitness precaution. Here in part two of Arsenal Team News, we cover the likes of William Saliba, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Magalhaes, Eberechi Eze and Martin Odegaard. Just in case you missed part one, it covered Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, … [Read more...] about Arsenal Early Team News at Southampton: Saliba, Trossard, Gabriel, Eze, Odegaard
Arsenal Early Team News at Southampton: Rice, Saka, Zubimendi, Hincapie, Madueke
When you're winding down an international break, it's never too early to look ahead to the next weekend's slate of action. And with Arsenal, there are a large number of injury/fitness concerns. Although, to be fair, many of them are just precautionary. We'll cover Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Martin Zubimendi, Piero Hincapie and Noni Madueke here in part one. And then in part two, … [Read more...] about Arsenal Early Team News at Southampton: Rice, Saka, Zubimendi, Hincapie, Madueke
Josh Whitman Brought a New Golden Era to Illini Athletics
When Richard Nixon, the 37th President of the United States, gave his farewell address it included this famous quote: "only when you're in the lowest valley, do you know how magnificent it is to be on the highest mountain." As the Illinois men's basketball team heads to Indianapolis this weekend, to face UConn in the Final Four, one can't help but think of this quote. Illinois … [Read more...] about Josh Whitman Brought a New Golden Era to Illini Athletics
Tennesseee Debuts Smokey XII, New Rocky Top Tradition (SmokeyDawg98) Grows
Without a doubt, the Tennessee Volunteers have two of the best traditions in all of college sports in the playing of "Rocky Top" and their mascot, a Bluetick Coonhound named Smokey. "Rocky Top," first recorded by the Osborne Brothers, was released on Christmas Day in 1967. In 1982 it became one of the state of Tennessee's official songs. Written by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, … [Read more...] about Tennesseee Debuts Smokey XII, New Rocky Top Tradition (SmokeyDawg98) Grows
7 Training Shoes Changing How Athletes Move In 2026
Performance gear has changed a lot over the past few years. Shoes are no longer just about comfort or style. They now play a direct role in how athletes generate force, stay stable, and move under pressure. That shift is easy to see in football training, gym work, and conditioning sessions. Small differences in grip or foot stability can affect everything from … [Read more...] about 7 Training Shoes Changing How Athletes Move In 2026
Brad Underwood ‘never doubted’ Illinois Would Get to a Final Four
"Living the dream" is a term that is certainly cliche, but it's also a wonderful reality for those who get to truly experience it. Illinois head coach Brad Underwood is one of the fortunate few for which this catchphrase is very real. Leading the Illini has been Underwood's dream job for a long time. During his days leading Stephen F. Austin, he told an assistant that … [Read more...] about Brad Underwood ‘never doubted’ Illinois Would Get to a Final Four
Exclusive: Illini Forward David Mirkovic on Elevating His Game Through Victories
Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic is having one hell of a NCAA Tournament. In addition to averagin 16.7 ppg and 10.7 rpg this March Madness, the Niksic, Montenegro native provided one of the tourney's best soundbites/most memorable moment. Take a look below, and make your best guess as to what the "secret" is. … [Read more...] about Exclusive: Illini Forward David Mirkovic on Elevating His Game Through Victories