By Paul M. Banks, President of The Sports Bank.net
Regarding college basketball in the state of Illinois, it is the worst of times. And it’s again the worst of times. We may get zero teams in the NCAA tournament. And it’s all over from the Wisconsin border to the edge of the state that neighbors Kentucky. [...]

For the next few weeks leading up to the college football season, we’ll be previewing every Big Ten team, starting with my prediction to finish last, to my predicted champ.  This way if I don’t get to Ohio State before the season starts, you’ll have a good grasp on all the teams whose analysis isn’t [...]

ESPN Ombudsman Le Anne Schreiber’s last column for the WWL.  She was one of the most overlooked, underappreciated, and brilliant voices in sports media.  [ESPN]
Another vote for the Bears trading for Jay Cutler.  Your move Angelo.  [Sun-Times]
Chester Frazier a “long shot” to play in the NCAA Tournament.  So you’re telling me there’s a chance…[Tribune]
Don’t sleep [...]

The Big Ten Tournament starts at 11am today.  There are seven or eight teams that have a legitimate chance to win this thing, and any of today’s games could feature an upset. All times Central:
11:00 am (8) Minnesota vs. (9) Northwestern
The teams split games during the regular season, with each winning at home.  The most [...]

What a win for Northwestern!  The Wildcats ruined Purdue’s Senior Night with a stunner; I heard they can still be as high as a six seed in the Big Ten Tournament.  Bubble?  [Lake The Posts]
I absolutely agree with 3:10 to Joba that Tim Lincecum is awesome and so is the new commercial he is in. [...]

Moondog Sports gets back to its roots.  Amen brother.  As our readers will tell you, we’ve never brought them T&A to get hits, and believe me, those six guys are mad! [MoonDogSports]
Should Luol Deng be the 9th man in the Bulls’ lineup?  If he was he could take solace that he is at least ahead [...]

ESPN will launch a new site specifically for Chicago sports.  There goes the neighborhood! [Tribune]
What are the fantasy implications of the Kings-Bulls trade?  Here’s some expert analysis from me: if you had Gooden, your team sucks! [Give Me The Rock]
A source close to Chad Ford says that Chicago would be Chris Bosh’s first choice as [...]