Illini Sports

A look at the top Illini head coaches from the last 55 years — otherwise known as the Loren Tate era

Welcome to “Good Morning, Illini Nation,” your daily dose of college basketball news from Illini beat writer and AP Top 25 voter Scott Richey. He’ll offer up insights every morning on Brad Underwood’s team:

Of course, it's apples and oranges. But with the help of statistics, biographies and the wisdom of others, longtime News-Gazette sportswriter Bob Asmussen came up with his list of the 50 top University of Illinois athletes during the Tatelines era. Let the debates begin:

Over the next 55 days, we will looking back at some notable moments in Illini history

CHAMPAIGN — Bret Bielema is right.

Illini coach eager for practices to get going as well

Illinois puts home-court advantage to good use against Notre Dame 

Antigua leaves Illinois in a strong position going forward. Now, we'll see if Underwood can sustain Antigua's groundwork in this new movement

Welcome to “Good Morning, Illini Nation,” your daily dose of college basketball news from Illini beat writer and AP Top 25 voter Scott Richey. He’ll offer up insights every morning on Brad Underwood’s team:

During the Tatelines era, University of Illinois teams have won multiple national titles and endless Big Ten championships. After spending 33 years in the community covering the program, News-Gazette sportswriter Bob Asmussen ranks the best squads. He's looking forward to feedback from the readers (good, bad or indifferent).

Over the next 55 days, we will looking back at some notable moments in Illini history

Former Illini coach gives two resounding thumbs up to Underwood's latest hire

Welcome to “Good Morning, Illini Nation,” your daily dose of college basketball news from Illini beat writer and AP Top 25 voter Scott Richey. He’ll offer up insights every morning on Brad Underwood’s team:

On the day that Loren “Sonny” Tate was named sports editor of The News-Gazette, replacing Ed O’Neil, there were stories in the paper about urban renewal in Champaign, a new Howard Johnson motel for downtown Champaign and local bulls that won awards at the Illinois State Fair.

A clutch three-pointer to beat a hated rival. A critical fourth-down run to clinch an upset against No. 1. A groundbreaking football coaching hire. Longtime News-Gazette sportswriter Bob Asmussen considered those and many others as he ranked the Top 50 moments of the Tatelines era:

Over the next 55 days, we will looking back at some notable moments in Illini history

Beat writer Scott Richey provides some potential candidates to fill the Illinois coaching staff

Former Illini guard already getting support in new role

Welcome to “Good Morning, Illini Nation,” your daily dose of college basketball news from Illini beat writer and AP Top 25 voter Scott Richey. He’ll offer up insights every morning on Brad Underwood’s team:

Former Illini guard officially added to Brad Underwood's coaching staff

The wife of legendary News-Gazettes sports columnist Loren Tate pulls back the curtain for a look at the man Illini fans may not know about