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Jason Langendorf

Jason Langendorf

Joined: Sep 28, 2024

Jason Langendorf has covered Illinois basketball, football and more for Illinois on SI since October 2024, and has covered Illini sports – among other subjects – for 30 years. A veteran of ESPN and Sporting News, he has published work in The Guardian, Vice, Chicago Sun-Times and many other outlets. He is currently also the U.S. editor at BoxingScene and a judge for the annual BWAA writing awards. He can be followed and reached on X and Bluesky @JasonLangendorf.

Jan 19, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Tomislav Ivisic (13) dunks the ball during the first half against the Michigan State Spartans at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-Imagn Images
Basketball

Illinois' Tomislav Ivisic Battled Through Illness at Michigan State

The Illini center wasn't at his best but nevertheless came through on Sunday despite suffering from strep throat

Jason Langendorf
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Jan 19, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts during the first half against the Michigan State Spartans at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-Imagn Images
Basketball

Illinois Coach Brad Underwood Won't Blame Refs for Michigan State Loss

Underwood thought at least one foul call Sunday was egregious, but he wouldn't hang the Illini's loss on the officials

Jason Langendorf
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Jan 19, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans center Szymon Zapala (10) puts the ball in the basket during the second half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-Imagn Images
Basketball

Michigan State Outlasts Illinois Basketball in Big Ten Slugfest

The Illini matched the Spartans blow for blow – but came up just short at the final bell

Jason Langendorf
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Jan 14, 2025; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Morez Johnson Jr. (21) rebounds the ball during the first half against the Indiana Hoosiers at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
Basketball

3 Bold Predictions for Illinois Basketball at Michigan State

Let's read the tea leaves for some unexpected insights ahead of the Illini's road game against the Spartans

Jason Langendorf
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Michigan State's head coach Tom Izzo looks on at practice during men's basketball media day on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.
Basketball

Michigan State's Tom Izzo Compares Illinois Basketball to 'Celtics or Lakers'

Izzo is taking the threat of the Illini seriously as he prepares his Spartans for Sunday's matchup in East Lansing

Jason Langendorf
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Jan 14, 2025; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers guard Myles Rice (1) and Illinois Fighting Illini center Tomislav Ivisic (13) fight during the second half at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
Basketball

Illinois Basketball Report Card: Grades at Indiana (Game 17)

Tomislav Ivisic didn't back down from the challenge of a recent slump – or the chippy Hoosiers

Jason Langendorf
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Illinois' playerswatches a free throw during the Indiana versus Illinois men's basketball game at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025.
Basketball

3 Takeaways From Illinois' Basketball's Win Over Indiana

In Bloomington, the Illini again showed strength in togetherness and discretion – even when tensions are high

Jason Langendorf
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Indiana Head Coach Mike Woodson during the Indiana versus University of Southern California men's basketball game at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025.
Basketball

Illinois Basketball's Flawless First Half Leaves Indiana at All-Time Low

Kasparas Jakucionis and the Illini buried the Hoosiers in embarrassment from the opening tip Tuesday

Jason Langendorf
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Illinois point guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) goes to the rim against Indiana guard Myles Rice in the Illini's 94-69 win over the Hoosiers on Tuesday at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Indiana.
Basketball

Kasparas Jakucionis Returns to Lead Illinois Basketball to Blowout at Indiana

The freshman point guard came off a two-game injury absence to spark the Illini to a romp in Bloomington

Jason Langendorf
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Jan 2, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) is introduced before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
Basketball

Kasparas Jakucionis Returns to Illinois Basketball's Lineup

After missing two games because of a forearm injury, Jakucionis came out firing against Indiana

Jason Langendorf
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Jan 11, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell (4) drives to the basket as USC Trojans guard Bryce Pope (4) defends during the first half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Basketball

Illinois Basketball Report Card: Grades vs. USC (Game 16)

The Illini usually earn an A for effort, but against the Trojans, even the home team's energy was incomplete

Jason Langendorf
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Jan 11, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Tomislav Ivisic (13) grabs a rebound during the second half against the USC Trojans at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Basketball

3 Big Takeaways From Illinois' Basketball's Loss to USC

The Illini couldn't get the job done against the Trojans, but we've identified clear steps for a path to improvement

Jason Langendorf
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