Joey Wagner
@mrwagner25.bsky.social
Illinois Athletics beat writer for Illini Inquirer, part of 247Sports. Pekin native.
#illini WBB's upset of No. 23 Iowa was an emotional exhale after a "rough few weeks" of injuries and a pair of close losses.
"There are certain games that mean a lot, and this is one that means a lot. We've been through a lot."
From State Farm Center:
247sports.com/college/illi...
"There are certain games that mean a lot, and this is one that means a lot. We've been through a lot."
From State Farm Center:
247sports.com/college/illi...
'Don't count us out for anything': Illini WBB shows in win over No. 23 Iowa it has fight despite injury issues
The win over Iowa carried plenty of emotional weight after a challenging few weeks with injuries.
247sports.com
January 10, 2025 at 4:44 AM
#illini WBB's upset of No. 23 Iowa was an emotional exhale after a "rough few weeks" of injuries and a pair of close losses.
"There are certain games that mean a lot, and this is one that means a lot. We've been through a lot."
From State Farm Center:
247sports.com/college/illi...
"There are certain games that mean a lot, and this is one that means a lot. We've been through a lot."
From State Farm Center:
247sports.com/college/illi...
#illini freshman Morez Johnson Jr. had been waiting for a moment like he had Wednesday since committing to Illinois in Nov. 2021.
He had a 20-point double-double in a blowout win over Penn State.
"It was a surreal moment."
247sports.com/college/illi...
He had a 20-point double-double in a blowout win over Penn State.
"It was a surreal moment."
247sports.com/college/illi...
Morez Johnson Jr. makes long-awaited B1G impact in Illini win: 'It was a surreal moment'
Johnson recorded the second double-double of his career and the first against a high-major opponent.
247sports.com
January 9, 2025 at 3:01 PM
#illini freshman Morez Johnson Jr. had been waiting for a moment like he had Wednesday since committing to Illinois in Nov. 2021.
He had a 20-point double-double in a blowout win over Penn State.
"It was a surreal moment."
247sports.com/college/illi...
He had a 20-point double-double in a blowout win over Penn State.
"It was a surreal moment."
247sports.com/college/illi...
#illini WBB guards Makira Cook and Gretchen Dolan are out for the season, the program announced.
247sports.com/college/illi...
247sports.com/college/illi...
Illini WBB guards Makira Cook, Gretchen Dolan to miss rest of 2024-25 season
Cook has not played since Dec. 8 against Ohio State.
247sports.com
January 8, 2025 at 7:23 PM
#illini WBB guards Makira Cook and Gretchen Dolan are out for the season, the program announced.
247sports.com/college/illi...
247sports.com/college/illi...
JUST IN: #illini OLB Gabe Jacas is returning for the 2025 season.
Absolutely sensational offseason for Illinois.
247sports.com/college/illi...
Absolutely sensational offseason for Illinois.
247sports.com/college/illi...
Illini OLB Gabe Jacas returning for 2025 season
Jacas was a Third Team All-Big Ten selection this season.
247sports.com
January 6, 2025 at 9:33 PM
JUST IN: #illini OLB Gabe Jacas is returning for the 2025 season.
Absolutely sensational offseason for Illinois.
247sports.com/college/illi...
Absolutely sensational offseason for Illinois.
247sports.com/college/illi...
#illini WBB notebook ahead of tomorrow's game at Minnesota on:
- Genesis Bryant delivering without Cook
- injury updates
- working through scoring droughts
247sports.com/college/illi...
- Genesis Bryant delivering without Cook
- injury updates
- working through scoring droughts
247sports.com/college/illi...
WBB notebook: Bryant stepping up in Cook's extended absence; Dolan expected to miss Minnesota game
Genesis Bryant has scored 20 more more points in three of the last six games.
247sports.com
January 5, 2025 at 1:51 AM
#illini WBB notebook ahead of tomorrow's game at Minnesota on:
- Genesis Bryant delivering without Cook
- injury updates
- working through scoring droughts
247sports.com/college/illi...
- Genesis Bryant delivering without Cook
- injury updates
- working through scoring droughts
247sports.com/college/illi...
#illini left tackle J.C. Davis announced he's returning for the 2025 season.
Huge news for Illinois.
What it means: 247sports.com/college/illi...
Huge news for Illinois.
What it means: 247sports.com/college/illi...
OL J.C. Davis returning to Illini for 2025 season
Davis was a Third Team All-Big Ten selection this season.
247sports.com
January 4, 2025 at 11:23 PM
#illini left tackle J.C. Davis announced he's returning for the 2025 season.
Huge news for Illinois.
What it means: 247sports.com/college/illi...
Huge news for Illinois.
What it means: 247sports.com/college/illi...
The #illini still have a bowl game to play but until then here's a look at PFF grades, snap counts and key stats from the regular season.
247sports.com/college/illi...
247sports.com/college/illi...
Illini football: Pro Football Focus grades and snap counts for the 2024 season
Illini Inquirer gathered snap counts and PFF grades for each player on the Illinois football roster.
247sports.com
December 23, 2024 at 8:39 PM
The #illini still have a bowl game to play but until then here's a look at PFF grades, snap counts and key stats from the regular season.
247sports.com/college/illi...
247sports.com/college/illi...
Kylan Boswell's first Braggin' Rights memory was Rayvonte Rice's buzzer beater.
They've known other forever and both C-U natives had big moments in the series.
"You come back and the love you get, there's no other love that you get from your hometown."
247sports.com/college/illi...
They've known other forever and both C-U natives had big moments in the series.
"You come back and the love you get, there's no other love that you get from your hometown."
247sports.com/college/illi...
'It just means everything': Boswell comes up big to lead hometown Illini to Braggin' Rights win
Boswell had 16 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists in Sunday's win over Missouri.
247sports.com
December 23, 2024 at 12:32 AM
Kylan Boswell's first Braggin' Rights memory was Rayvonte Rice's buzzer beater.
They've known other forever and both C-U natives had big moments in the series.
"You come back and the love you get, there's no other love that you get from your hometown."
247sports.com/college/illi...
They've known other forever and both C-U natives had big moments in the series.
"You come back and the love you get, there's no other love that you get from your hometown."
247sports.com/college/illi...
The #illini secondary has a chance to bring back all five starters and its entire two-deep next season.
"It helps a lot. It brings a bigger cap to what our defense can be."
On continuity and what it could mean:
247sports.com/college/illi...
"It helps a lot. It brings a bigger cap to what our defense can be."
On continuity and what it could mean:
247sports.com/college/illi...
Illini secondary has chance for continuity: 'It brings a bigger cap to what our defense can be'
The Illini could return all five starters in the defensive secondary next season.
247sports.com
December 19, 2024 at 10:06 PM
The #illini secondary has a chance to bring back all five starters and its entire two-deep next season.
"It helps a lot. It brings a bigger cap to what our defense can be."
On continuity and what it could mean:
247sports.com/college/illi...
"It helps a lot. It brings a bigger cap to what our defense can be."
On continuity and what it could mean:
247sports.com/college/illi...
QB Luke Altmyer announced his return to the #illini for the 2025 season, bypassing the transfer portal and everything that comes with it.
"I'm very comfortable with what I'm doing here. I think that was more important than what could be out there."
247sports.com/college/illi...
"I'm very comfortable with what I'm doing here. I think that was more important than what could be out there."
247sports.com/college/illi...
'Love where I'm at': Why Luke Altmyer spurned the transfer portal and returned to the Illini
Comfort with the Illini was key in Altmyer's return for 2025.
247sports.com
December 17, 2024 at 11:30 PM
QB Luke Altmyer announced his return to the #illini for the 2025 season, bypassing the transfer portal and everything that comes with it.
"I'm very comfortable with what I'm doing here. I think that was more important than what could be out there."
247sports.com/college/illi...
"I'm very comfortable with what I'm doing here. I think that was more important than what could be out there."
247sports.com/college/illi...
#illini hoops notebook from the loss to No. 1 Tennessee
🏀 Underwood wishes he called timeout
🏀 Free throws just fine for Illini
🏀 Tough night for Will Riley
🏀 Rick Barnes on Illinois
247sports.com/college/illi...
🏀 Underwood wishes he called timeout
🏀 Free throws just fine for Illini
🏀 Tough night for Will Riley
🏀 Rick Barnes on Illinois
247sports.com/college/illi...
Notebook: Underwood rues not calling timeout before game winner; 'Gross' first half full of fouls
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood said he wished he had called a timeout before Tennessee's buzzer-beating win.
247sports.com
December 15, 2024 at 5:08 AM
#illini hoops notebook from the loss to No. 1 Tennessee
🏀 Underwood wishes he called timeout
🏀 Free throws just fine for Illini
🏀 Tough night for Will Riley
🏀 Rick Barnes on Illinois
247sports.com/college/illi...
🏀 Underwood wishes he called timeout
🏀 Free throws just fine for Illini
🏀 Tough night for Will Riley
🏀 Rick Barnes on Illinois
247sports.com/college/illi...
Interrupting your #illini hoops content with some news that quarterback Luke Altmyer is back for the 2025 season.
What it means (hint: a lot):
247sports.com/college/illi...
What it means (hint: a lot):
247sports.com/college/illi...
QB Luke Altmyer announces return to Illini for 2025 season
Altmyer announced his return during the first half of the men's basketball game against Tennessee.
247sports.com
December 14, 2024 at 11:03 PM
Interrupting your #illini hoops content with some news that quarterback Luke Altmyer is back for the 2025 season.
What it means (hint: a lot):
247sports.com/college/illi...
What it means (hint: a lot):
247sports.com/college/illi...
#illini guard Kasparas Jakucionis has quickly impressed as a college basketball player with his scoring and playmaking.
“He's like the closest thing college basketball has ever seen to Luka Doncic.”
247sports.com/college/illi...
“He's like the closest thing college basketball has ever seen to Luka Doncic.”
247sports.com/college/illi...
'The Luka mentality': Kasparas Jakucionis makes up for mistakes with next-level playmaking ability
Jakucionis has quickly established himself as a likely high pick in the first round of the NBA Draft.
247sports.com
December 14, 2024 at 8:51 PM
#illini guard Kasparas Jakucionis has quickly impressed as a college basketball player with his scoring and playmaking.
“He's like the closest thing college basketball has ever seen to Luka Doncic.”
247sports.com/college/illi...
“He's like the closest thing college basketball has ever seen to Luka Doncic.”
247sports.com/college/illi...
QUICK HITS: #illini WBB relies on senior stars to pull away from in-state Bradley.
🏀 What happened
🏀 What it means
🏀 Star of the game
🏀 Stats of the game
🏀 Don't overlook
🏀 What's next
247sports.com/college/illi...
🏀 What happened
🏀 What it means
🏀 Star of the game
🏀 Stats of the game
🏀 Don't overlook
🏀 What's next
247sports.com/college/illi...
Quick hits: Illini WBB leans on senior stars to hold off Bradley
Illinois struggled to put away the in-state Braves, but leaned on Kendall Bostic and Adalia McKenzie to seal a win.
247sports.com
December 13, 2024 at 1:48 AM
QUICK HITS: #illini WBB relies on senior stars to pull away from in-state Bradley.
🏀 What happened
🏀 What it means
🏀 Star of the game
🏀 Stats of the game
🏀 Don't overlook
🏀 What's next
247sports.com/college/illi...
🏀 What happened
🏀 What it means
🏀 Star of the game
🏀 Stats of the game
🏀 Don't overlook
🏀 What's next
247sports.com/college/illi...
#illini WBB notebook ahead of tonight's game against Bradley on:
🏀 Finding offensive momentum
🏀 Gretchen Dolan out
🏀 Impressive B1G debut for Berry Wallace
🏀 Jasmine Brown-Hagger's energy
247sports.com/college/illi...
🏀 Finding offensive momentum
🏀 Gretchen Dolan out
🏀 Impressive B1G debut for Berry Wallace
🏀 Jasmine Brown-Hagger's energy
247sports.com/college/illi...
Notebook: Illini WBB looking to regain offensive mojo; Wallace impresses in B1G debut
The Illini are looking to get some offensive momentum in three mid- and low-major games.
247sports.com
December 12, 2024 at 3:08 PM
#illini WBB notebook ahead of tonight's game against Bradley on:
🏀 Finding offensive momentum
🏀 Gretchen Dolan out
🏀 Impressive B1G debut for Berry Wallace
🏀 Jasmine Brown-Hagger's energy
247sports.com/college/illi...
🏀 Finding offensive momentum
🏀 Gretchen Dolan out
🏀 Impressive B1G debut for Berry Wallace
🏀 Jasmine Brown-Hagger's energy
247sports.com/college/illi...
#illini WR Kenari Wilcher has entered the transfer portal, 247Sports has learned.
247sports.com/college/illi...
247sports.com/college/illi...
Illinois WR Kenari Wilcher enters transfer portal
Wilcher was the team's primary kick returner.
247sports.com
December 11, 2024 at 4:34 PM
#illini WR Kenari Wilcher has entered the transfer portal, 247Sports has learned.
247sports.com/college/illi...
247sports.com/college/illi...
Tre White did a little bit of everything for the #illini in a win over Wisconsin from defense to scoring a season-high 23 points.
"It's kind of the full-meal deal, so to speak with him. He's just going to find his way to score the ball."
247sports.com/college/illi...
"It's kind of the full-meal deal, so to speak with him. He's just going to find his way to score the ball."
247sports.com/college/illi...
Illini 'unleash' Tre White in win over Wisconsin: 'He stepped up and met the challenge'
White had a season-high 23 points to help lead Illinois to an 86-80 win over Wisconsin
247sports.com
December 11, 2024 at 4:11 PM
Tre White did a little bit of everything for the #illini in a win over Wisconsin from defense to scoring a season-high 23 points.
"It's kind of the full-meal deal, so to speak with him. He's just going to find his way to score the ball."
247sports.com/college/illi...
"It's kind of the full-meal deal, so to speak with him. He's just going to find his way to score the ball."
247sports.com/college/illi...
#illini hoops notebook on:
🏀 Getting more offensive boards
🏀 Brad Underwood wishing he used the bench more vs. Northwestern
🏀 Morez Johnson Jr.'s impact on the glass
🏀 Kylan Boswell's defensive presence
247sports.com/college/illi...
🏀 Getting more offensive boards
🏀 Brad Underwood wishing he used the bench more vs. Northwestern
🏀 Morez Johnson Jr.'s impact on the glass
🏀 Kylan Boswell's defensive presence
247sports.com/college/illi...
Notebook: Lack of offensive rebounding 'grinding at' Underwood; Johnson excelling on the glass
Illinois had just seven offensive rebounds in the loss at Northwestern.
247sports.com
December 9, 2024 at 11:21 PM
#illini hoops notebook on:
🏀 Getting more offensive boards
🏀 Brad Underwood wishing he used the bench more vs. Northwestern
🏀 Morez Johnson Jr.'s impact on the glass
🏀 Kylan Boswell's defensive presence
247sports.com/college/illi...
🏀 Getting more offensive boards
🏀 Brad Underwood wishing he used the bench more vs. Northwestern
🏀 Morez Johnson Jr.'s impact on the glass
🏀 Kylan Boswell's defensive presence
247sports.com/college/illi...
The Citrus Bowl will put a bow on a spectacular -- not perfect! -- #illini season and Bret Bielema hopes it can lead to a 10th win and be a springboard to sustained success.
"With the guy we've got in the corner office down there, I like our chances."
247sports.com/college/illi...
"With the guy we've got in the corner office down there, I like our chances."
247sports.com/college/illi...
Citrus Bowl berth a big step to Illini's goal of sustained success: 'We will continue to push the envelope'
Illinois will play South Carolina in the marquee non-CFP bowl game on Dec. 31.
247sports.com
December 9, 2024 at 1:51 AM
The Citrus Bowl will put a bow on a spectacular -- not perfect! -- #illini season and Bret Bielema hopes it can lead to a 10th win and be a springboard to sustained success.
"With the guy we've got in the corner office down there, I like our chances."
247sports.com/college/illi...
"With the guy we've got in the corner office down there, I like our chances."
247sports.com/college/illi...
QUICK HITS: No. 21 #illini women struggle to close the first half in loss at No. 12 Ohio State.
🏀 What happened
🏀 What it means
🏀 Star of the game
🏀 Stats of the game
🏀 Don't overlook
🏀 What's next
247sports.com/college/illi...
🏀 What happened
🏀 What it means
🏀 Star of the game
🏀 Stats of the game
🏀 Don't overlook
🏀 What's next
247sports.com/college/illi...
Quick hits: No. 21 Illini WBB can't dig out of hole in loss at No. 12 Ohio State
The Buckeyes went on a 15-1 run to close the first half.
247sports.com
December 8, 2024 at 11:19 PM
QUICK HITS: No. 21 #illini women struggle to close the first half in loss at No. 12 Ohio State.
🏀 What happened
🏀 What it means
🏀 Star of the game
🏀 Stats of the game
🏀 Don't overlook
🏀 What's next
247sports.com/college/illi...
🏀 What happened
🏀 What it means
🏀 Star of the game
🏀 Stats of the game
🏀 Don't overlook
🏀 What's next
247sports.com/college/illi...
The #illini let their first Big Ten road game slip away last night at Northwestern behind turnovers, missed shots and defensive lapses.
"At the end, it seemed like they wanted it more. The crowd kept them going and we kind of got lost from there."
247sports.com/college/illi...
"At the end, it seemed like they wanted it more. The crowd kept them going and we kind of got lost from there."
247sports.com/college/illi...
'We have to learn from this game': Late-game issues lead No. 19 Illini to road loss
The Illini had a 10-point second-half lead.
247sports.com
December 7, 2024 at 3:45 PM
The #illini let their first Big Ten road game slip away last night at Northwestern behind turnovers, missed shots and defensive lapses.
"At the end, it seemed like they wanted it more. The crowd kept them going and we kind of got lost from there."
247sports.com/college/illi...
"At the end, it seemed like they wanted it more. The crowd kept them going and we kind of got lost from there."
247sports.com/college/illi...
The #illiini women have a top 25 game at Ohio State tomorrow and it sounds like they could be healthier against the Buckeyes.
On health, the OSU press, shooting woes and more:
247sports.com/college/illi...
On health, the OSU press, shooting woes and more:
247sports.com/college/illi...
WBB notebook: Illini getting healthy for Buckeyes?; Preparing for the press
The Illini could be as healthy as they've been entering Sunday's game at Ohio State.
247sports.com
December 7, 2024 at 3:44 PM
The #illiini women have a top 25 game at Ohio State tomorrow and it sounds like they could be healthier against the Buckeyes.
On health, the OSU press, shooting woes and more:
247sports.com/college/illi...
On health, the OSU press, shooting woes and more:
247sports.com/college/illi...
Northwestern 70
No. 19 #illini 66
Final in OT
Illinois didn't get enough stops in OT. Northwestern made 5 of 8 shots and 3 of 5 free throws in overtime.
Illinois was 3 of 8 from the field in overtime.
No. 19 #illini 66
Final in OT
Illinois didn't get enough stops in OT. Northwestern made 5 of 8 shots and 3 of 5 free throws in overtime.
Illinois was 3 of 8 from the field in overtime.
December 7, 2024 at 4:19 AM
Northwestern 70
No. 19 #illini 66
Final in OT
Illinois didn't get enough stops in OT. Northwestern made 5 of 8 shots and 3 of 5 free throws in overtime.
Illinois was 3 of 8 from the field in overtime.
No. 19 #illini 66
Final in OT
Illinois didn't get enough stops in OT. Northwestern made 5 of 8 shots and 3 of 5 free throws in overtime.
Illinois was 3 of 8 from the field in overtime.
Overtime in Evanston.
Kasparas Jakucionis and Brooks Barnhizer each miss 3-point attempts on their respective final possessions.
Kasparas Jakucionis and Brooks Barnhizer each miss 3-point attempts on their respective final possessions.
December 7, 2024 at 4:02 AM
Overtime in Evanston.
Kasparas Jakucionis and Brooks Barnhizer each miss 3-point attempts on their respective final possessions.
Kasparas Jakucionis and Brooks Barnhizer each miss 3-point attempts on their respective final possessions.