All Sports Content
The latest from Bruce Weber
Paul Klee is at Bruce Weber's news conference. Get updates here
Then ask Paul Klee a question by clicking here. His chat starts at 12:30 p.m.
Rodriguez fired (we mean it this time)
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez has been fired.
The school confirmed Wednesday that Rodriguez had been let go after going 15-22 in three years at Michigan and a handful of NCAA violations that have stained the once-proud program. The school can buy out the final three years of his contract for $2.5 million.
Nate Mast: Remembering the 2000-01 Illini
In this month's IlliniHQ magazine, we catch up with several players, teams and coaches that made an impression while at Illinois. That includes the 2000-01 Big Ten champion Illini men's basketball team, which came within a whisker of reaching the Final Four. Current Parkland coach Nate Mast, a plucky walk-on that year, was kind enough to share his memories of that team of 10 years ago.
Judson: It was a special season
The 2000-01 team that Nate Mast so eloquently revisited on the previous page had the perfect blend: lots of basketball talent (three McDonald's All-Americans, three Illinois Mr. Basketballs) and lots of basketball smarts (four future college coaches).
Rob Judson, a likable assistant on that memorable team, is glad that second group didn't grow to five.
Tuesday's prep highlights: Thorson shows way for Sabers
Boys' basketball
St. Thomas More 53, Watseka 43. ALEX THORSON collected 13 points, eight rebounds and six assists for the Sabers. DAVID COCHRANE added 10 points, and the Sabers got nine apiece from MATTHEW RESTAD and JULIAN BOSWELL. TODD LYZNICKI scored 12, all on three-pointers, for Watseka.
Judah's Williams provides 'kicks-start'
CHAMPAIGN – Junior Malik Williams stands out in a crowd. That would be because of the bright yellow sneakers.
"Special order from Finish Line," he said.
If the crowd that is congregating happens to be on a basketball court, the 5-foot-8 Williams would stand out even barefoot.
Athletes of the Week
Courtney Helm, Villa Grove, basketball, Sophomore
Recently: Made the all-tournament team at Chrisman's Cardinal Classic and helped the Blue Devils win with a 5-0 record.
My New Year's resolution is ... it was going to be trying to be Athlete of the Week.
Illini tennis teams each make Top 25 cut
SKILLMAN, N.J. — Both Illinois teams are in the Top 25 of the latest Intercollegiate Tennis Association rankings. The first rankings for 2011 were announced Tuesday, with the Illini men at No. 16 and the UI women at No. 25.
Junior Dennis Nevolo is the top-ranked Illini individual, listed No. 11 in men’s singles. Nevolo and senior teammate Abe Souza are No. 20 in doubles.
Bob's best: Mountain West
We asked college football beat writer Bob Asmussen which conferences have fared best this bowl season. His top five leading into Tuesday's Sugar Bowl:
ESPN fires Ron Franklin
BRISTOL, Conn. — ESPN has fired announcer Ron Franklin after he reportedly berated a female colleague.
The network had pulled him from its radio coverage of Saturday's Fiesta Bowl, and Franklin issued a public apology Monday.
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