MEN'S BASKETBALL: Michael Orris granted release from Illini

By Mike Nieto mike.nieto@nwi.com, (219) 933-3232

Crete-Monee senior guard Michael Orris was granted release of his letter of intent to the University of Illinois on Friday, according to his AAU coach Scott Lidskin.

Groce talks about building toughness at Illinois

By David Mercer Associated Press

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. | If there was a moment that got John Groce to Illinois, it might have been the instant when the buzzer sounded and Ohio upset Michigan in the NCAA tournament.

Local Illini look to get to know Groce

By Times Staff

Tracy Abrams has high hopes for the man who will be his third basketball coach in as many seasons.

Illini still focused on Groce as their next basketball coach, but deal not done

By David Mercer Associated Press

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. | Ohio's John Groce appeared to still be the top choice Tuesday to take over the basketball program at Illinois, but two days after interest in the former Thad Matta assistant was reported the university said no deal has been …

Orris says he's still committed to Illini

Illinois basketball recruit Michael Orris said the firing of Bruce Weber has not changed his commitment to the school.

No. 23 Indiana tops struggling Minnesota 69-50

By The Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS | Christian Watford went his last two games without making a basket. So Indiana coach Tom Crean told him to stay focused on his defense.

Weber hopes to finish career at Illinois

By DAVID MERCER Associated Press

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. | Illinois coach Bruce Weber said Friday that he hopes to finish his career with the Illini after a week that saw him criticize both himself and his players before apologizing for being frustrated.

No. 23 Indiana charges past Illinois

By Michael Marot AP Sports Writer

BLOOMINGTON | Indiana coach Tom Crean challenged his team to be tougher than Illinois on Thursday night.

Upsets plentiful in balanced Big Ten

By Cliff Brunt AP Sports Writer

Indiana gets it now.

No. 22 Illinois falls to Wisconsin

By David Mercer Associated Press

CHAMPAIGN | With just over 9 minutes to play Sunday, 7-foot-1 center Meyers Leonard glided away from the basket and hit a soft, fade-away jumper that gave No. 22 Illinois a four-point lead over Wisconsin.

Illlinois' Weber wants consistency from Brandon Paul

By Courtney Linehan courtney.linehan@nwi.com, (219) 933-3367

Brandon Paul leaned back, closed his eyes, and rode the wave of students carrying him across the Assembly Hall court.

Illini rebound with OSU upset, now ready for break

By The Associated Press

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. | On New Year's Eve, the sky was falling for Illinois basketball.

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