The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini Fan Podcast

The Portal Taketh (03/31/25)

Portal season begins inauspiciously for Brad Underwood's program as Morez Johnson Jr. and Tre White are leaving after just one year. Mike Carpenter discusses the importance of retention as evidenced by three of the Final Four team rosters, and how the lack of a returning core makes the offseason even more consequential. He also talks about the significance of losing Morez Johnson Jr., a highly-touted in-state prospect who stayed committed to the program for three years, and how it raises concerns beyond just the loss of a talented big.

Illinois vs. Arizona: 20 Years Later (03/26/25)

*** This is an excerpt from The 200 Level: An Illinois Fighting Illini Basketball Fan's Journey by Mike Carpenter ***
March 26, 2005 is a date etched into Illini basketball lore. Top-seeded Illinois took on a familiar foe in #2 seed Arizona at Allstate Arena in Rosemont. Mike Carpenter reflects on the greatest comeback in program history, a 15-point deficit erased with just four minutes to play in regulation. Dee Brown's steal-and-score to bring it within three points, Deron Williams' game-tying shot, Luther Head's breakaway layup in overtime, Bill Murray's shocked reaction from the stands, James Augustine at church the next morning . . . relive it all with this excerpt from The 200 Level book.
The 200 Level: An Illinois Fighting Illini Basketball Fan's Journey is available in CU at Gameday Spirit and Jane Addam's Book Shop, or online at the link below:
https://a.co/d/ad3HTRu
 

Reflections on 2024-25 Illini Basketball (03/25/25)

Brad Underwood's 8th season at Illinois was one of tantalizing highs and frustrating lows. Mike Carpenter recaps the season in the aftermath of a 2nd-round loss to Kentucky, as the Illini finish with a 22-13 overall record after a 12-3 start. He discusses the individual seasons of players, lessons to be learned as Underwood constructs his next roster, and other lingering questions going into the offseason.

Not With a Bang, But a Whimper (03/23/25)

The 2024-25 Illini basketball season ends unceremoniously in the second round at the hands of #3 seed Kentucky. The 85-74 defeat saw the Wildcats in control for nearly all forty minutes, as sloppy starts to both halves doomed Brad Underwood's team. Mike Carpenter and Kenton Elmore spend much of the second half contextualizing the season, how it will be remembered, and what needs to happen entering the offseason.

Will-Waukee (03/21/25)

Illini basketball not only survives and advances, but does so with style in an 86-73 win over Xavier. Mike Carpenter, Andrew Wilson, and Kenton Elmore react during the First Round victory, setting up a huge matchup against Kentucky on Sunday. Will Riley drops 22, Tomislav Ivisic grabs a 20-10 double double, Kasparas Jakucionis was one rebound away from a triple-double, and Kylan Boswell added another 15. Look out, Big Blue . . . the Illini are comin'. 

Luck 'o the Illini (03/17/25)

Illinois basketball lands a #6 seed in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, awaiting the winner of a play-in game between Xavier and Texas. Mike Carpenter reacts to the Illini's draw, favorable in many respects, and how two wins would completely change how this team is remembered. He discusses the potential matchups against the two #11 seeds and #3 seed Kentucky, and what advantages Brad Underwood's team has in each one.

It's March! (03/10/25)

Illinois basketball finishes the regular season with a 20-11 record (12-8 conference). Up next: the Big Ten Tournament in Indianapolis. Mike Carpenter discusses the weekend ahead and why the BTT is always one of his favorite parts of each season. He also opens up the listener mailbag to see what fans' expectations are as Brad Underwood's team enters the conference tourney as the #7 seed.

Boiler Down! (03/07/25)

Illini basketball notches their 20th win of the season in epic fashion, riding a 13-1 closing run to take down Purdue 88-80 (their first win over the Boilers since 2021). Mike Carpenter reacts after attending the game at a raucous State Farm Center. For 30+ minutes, Braden Smith and Trey Kaufman-Renn got what they wanted offensively. But, Brad Underwood's team kept plugging away, got crucial stops, and started making shots. Will Riley drops 22, Tre White adds 20, Kylan Boswell with another 15, and Kasparas Jakucionis - despite an up-and-down night - nails a dagger three late in the game. Next up: the Big Ten Tournament.