Pranav Hegde

Joined: Apr 10, 2025

Primarily covers Illinois football, basketball and golf, with an emphasis on news, analysis and features. Hegde, an electrical engineering student at Illinois with an affinity for sports writing, has been writing for On SI since April 2025. He can be followed and reached on Instagram @pranavhegde__.

Mar 13, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard Nick Boyd (2) defends against Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Basketball

The Illini unraveled in another close game, and as you can imagine, social media had plenty to say about it

Mar 12, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Will Garlock (23) celebrates with teammates after scoring against the Washington Huskies during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Basketball

The Illini will open postseason play in Chicago against a red-hot Badgers squad that has shown it can beat anyone, anywhere

Feb 27, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) drives the ball against Michigan Wolverines guard L.J. Cason (2) during the first half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Basketball

The Illini could meet the Wolverines for Round 2 – this time in the Big Ten Tournament – and it could help Illinois begin making adjustments for the Big Dance

Mar 8, 2026; College Park, Maryland, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell (4) drives to the basket on Maryland Terrapins guard Guillermo del Pino (18) during the first half at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Basketball

It wasn't pretty, but the Illini pulled away late for their 24th win of the season – and, as usual, social media had thoughts

News

The Illini fought back late in their Big Ten Tournament semifinal Friday, but they ultimately couldn't overcome an elite Hawkeye squad

Illinois women's basketball coach Shauna Green celebrates the Illini's 71-69 win over Michigan State in Thursday's second round at the Big Ten Tournament in Indianapolis.

News

The Illini continued their Big Ten Tournament run with an upset over a very good Spartans squad

Feb 21, 2026; College Park, Maryland, USA; Maryland Terrapins forward Solomon Washington (9) reacts during the second half against the Washington Huskies at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Basketball

The Illini will close the regular season on the road in College Park against a Terrapins team that has struggled this season

Illinois forward Berry Wallace squares up in the Illini's 82-70 win over Wisconsin in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament on Wednesday in Indianapolis.

News

The Illini (20-10, 9-9 Big Ten) will continue postseason play on Thursday in Indianapolis against the Spartans

Basketball

The Illini opened postseason play with a victory over the Badgers in the Big Ten Tournament on Wednesday in Indianapolis

Feb 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Shauna Green reacts during the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

Basketball

Illinois women's basketball faces Wisconsin tonight. Here's the tip-off time, TV channel, streaming options, and everything else you need to watch.

Mar 3, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Oregon Ducks guard Drew Carter (12) tries to block Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) during the first half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Basketball

The Illini rebounded from back-to-back losses in a big way, taking care of the Ducks with ease – but social media is mostly reserving judgment

Oregon forward Miles Stewart celebrates from the bench as the Oregon Ducks host the Wisconsin Badgers on Feb. 25, 2026, at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Oregon.

Basketball

The Illini will be aiming to bounce back from a two-game losing streak in Champaign against a wounded Ducks squad

Pranav Hegde

Joined: Apr 10, 2025

Why Illinois Has the Pieces to Make a March Madness Run

How Far Can Illinois Go? Breaking Down Its NCAA Women's Tournament Path

First Look at Illinois' NCAA Tournament First-Round Opponent: Penn Quakers

Basketball

Basketball

Last Glance at Illinois' Big Ten Tournament Quarterfinals Foe: Wisconsin Badgers

Basketball

Illinois vs. Michigan Rematch? Why It Could Help the Illini in the Big Ten Tournament

Basketball

News

Three Observations From Illinois Women's Basketball's 64-58 Loss to Iowa

News

Three Observations From Illinois Women's Basketball's 71-69 Win Over Michigan State

Basketball

First Look at Illinois Basketball's Game 31 Opponent: Maryland Terrapins

News

Illinois vs Michigan State Women's Basketball: TV, Tip-Off Time, More

Three Observations From Illinois Women's Basketball's 82-70 Win Over Wisconsin

Illinois vs Wisconsin Women's Basketball: TV Channel and Tip-Off Time

First Look at Illinois Basketball's Game 30 Opponent: Oregon Ducks