Illinois Basketball to Rematch 2024 NCAA Cinderella Story

Illinois Basketball to Rematch 2024 NCAA Cinderella Story

Per Jon Rothstein, Illinois basketball will face a rematch with Oakland University as part of their non-conference schedule for the 2024-2025 season. The Illini faced off with the Golden Grizzlies during the 2023-2024 season at the State Farm Center. Greg Kampe and his team gave Illinois basketball a stern test, however, the Illini were able to pull away 64-53. Afterward, Oakland made the NCAA tournament and knocked off the Kentucky Wildcats as the 14th seed. Greg Kampe and sharpshooter, Jack Gohlke, quickly became a beloved Cinderella story after that win.

Though Kampe’s team will be rather different this year, Oakland fits the bill as another solid opponent for Illinois Basketball. In addition to playing Oakland, Illinois will play Tennessee, Duke, Alabama, and Missouri as part of their non-conference schedule.

Source: Illinois will host Oakland as part of its 2024-25 non-conference schedule.

— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) June 20, 2024

An Eventful Non-Conference Schedule.

© Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Most recently, AD Josh Whitman announced that Illinois basketball will play Arkansas on Thanksgiving day. Certainly, the Illini will be tested right away with their strong non-conference slate. Brad Underwood has never been one to shy away from a tough non-conference slate. The Illini should be extremely talented, especially given the new additions to the roster. However, his young squad will have to come together quickly as there are not many easy games prior to the usual gauntlet of the Big Ten.

Thank you for reading Armchair Illini. For more Illinois Athletics and Big Ten content from Armchair Illini, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.  For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email Alex Kyi at alexkyi13@gmail.com.