Missouri, Illinois and SLU basketball all did a nice job of restocking their roster. Now the team-building begins.
President Charlie Baker discussed expanding the NCAA Tournament from 68 teams to 72 or 76. He used Josh Schertz's Indiana State team as an example of a deserving team snubbed.
The Illini basketball team’s missing disclosures about name, image and likeness deals reflect an indifference to documenting NIL deals across the athletic department.
Players are making the most of their court-ordered free agency. Even middling producers at lesser programs have an agent these days, looking to get paid before their “student-athlete†days end.
Illinois had to pull itself together ahead of the NCAA Tournament after suffering a one-sided loss to Maryland.
The waiting is over. Three area college basketball teams knew last week that they’d be in the NCAA Tournament, and on Sunday each found out its seeding and opponent to tip off the extravaganza.
SLU must win the A-10 Tournament to reach the NCAA Tournament, while Missouri and Illinois head to their league tourneys looking to upgrade their potential seeding at the big dance.
Here are some 51ºÚÁÏ-area college basketball storylines worth tracking as crunch time arrives.
Illinois honored Terrence Shannon’s jersey at halftime Saturday. But when Shannon pulled a string to reveal the banner that would hang at the State Farm Center, it was upside down.
Dennis Gates shortened his playing rotation during SEC play, but he still seeks looks for opportunities to spread the workload.
Richard ‘Itchy’ Jones coached the Illini baseball team for 15 seasons after 21 years at SIUC, compiling 1,200-plus career victories and leading the Salukis to three College World Series.
Heaven forbid college athletes exercise more control over their careers. Right? This course correction has been overdue.Â
Illinois' Kasparas Jakucionis plays could lead the Illini on a deep NCAA Tournament run.
Illinois is building a season that could end with a deep NCAA Tournament run. The Fighting Illini made that clear during victories at Oregon and Washington.
51ºÚÁÏ-area men's college basketball teams are preparing to dive into conference play, where road games become common and deficiencies can no longer be hidden by shrewd scheduling.
After back-to-back blowouts the past two years, a thrilling Braggin' Rights game was a win for all involved.
Illinois basketball coach Brad Underwood speaks with the media on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, after Illinois' Braggin' Rights win over Mizzou at Enterprise Center. (Video by Ethan Erickson, Post-Dispatch)
Illinois basketball guard Kasparas Jakucionis, center, and Kylan Boswell, left, speak with the media on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, after Illinois' Braggin' Rights win over Mizzou at Enterprise Center. (Video by Ethan Erickson, Post-Dispatch)
Missouri had two late shots to beat or tie Illinois but fell in 51ºÚÁÏ for the second year in a row.Â
Illinois basketball coach Brad Underwood speaks with the media on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, after Illinois' Braggin' Rights win over Mizzou at Enterprise Center. (Video by Ethan Erickson, Post-Dispatch)
Mizzou basketball coach Dennis Gates speaks with the media on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, after Illinois' Braggin' Rights win over Mizzou at Enterprise Center. (Video by Ethan Erickson, Post-Dispatch)
Mizzou basketball coach Dennis Gates speaks with the media on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, after Illinois' Braggin' Rights win over Mizzou at Enterprise Center. (Video by Ethan Erickson, Post-Dispatch)
Mizzou basketball guard Tamar Bates, left, speaks with the media on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, after Illinois' Braggin' Rights win over Mizzou at Enterprise Center. (Video by Ethan Erickson, Post-Dispatch)
The University of Illinois keeps their Braggin' Rights after defeating Mizzou 80-77 in the annual game on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, at Enterprise Center in 51ºÚÁÏ, Mo.Â
Mizzou basketball coach Dennis Gates speaks with the media on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, after Illinois' Braggin' Rights win over Mizzou at Enterprise Center. (Video by Ethan Erickson, Post-Dispatch)
The Mizzou Tigers (10-1), winners of 10 straight, put their streak on the line Sunday at noon as they face the Illinois Fighting Illini (7-3) at Enterprise Center.
Dennis Gates, University of Missouri's head men's basketball coach, speaks on the level of depth his team has before they take on the University of Illinois in the upcoming Braggin' Rights game on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, at Enterprise Center, in 51ºÚÁÏ.
How the Tigers handle Illinois' size, the Illini's 3-point shooting and Missouri's ability to get steals are keys to the annual rivalry game.Â
A lot of what will be announced Sunday will be shaped by the results of conference title games played Friday and Saturday.
