The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter is a weekly podcast focusing on Illinois Fighting Illini sports.
The good news keeps coming for Brad Underwood's Illini, as they land Baylor transfer Matthew Mayer. Mike Carpenter discusses the addition, Illinois basketball's incredible depth, how the program is "cool" again, and why this roster is primed to win another conference title and make a deep tournament run.
Illinois basketball secures another big commitment, this time from the transfer portal: Terrence Shannon Jr., a 6'6" wing who can fill it up and play lock down D. Mike Carpenter reacts to the news, compares the Underwood era to Self's tenure, and digs into the delicious rivalry that's developed between the Illini and Michigan basketball programs.
Kofi Cockburn announces his decision to go pro, leaving as an all-time Illini great. Mike Carpenter reflects on Kofi's three seasons in Champaign, his immediate impact on the fortunes of Illinois basketball, and how his legacy stacks up against other legends. Also, he discusses the likelihood of Kofi getting drafted, the puzzling aspects of the decision, and why fans should still be optimistic going forward.
Skyy Clark, a 5-star point guard, commits to Brad Underwood's Illinois basketball program. Mike Carpenter discusses the huge addition, and how it signals a new era of sustainable success. Also, he looks at the Illini roster next year and how it will fare both in conference play and nationally.
Transfers, portals, commits . . . oh my! With so many things to keep track of, Mike Carpenter takes a dive into all the offseason storylines, beginning with the transfer of Andre Curbelo. Later, he discusses names that should excite any Illini basketball fan, and why there are few (if any) programs in the Big Ten in better shape going forward.
Another season ends, but in contrast to the empty feeling from last year, Mike Carpenter feels gratitude for what this Illini team accomplished. He discusses how the last three years of Illinois basketball have brought the program back from the dead, and how the immediate and long-term future of Underwood's tenure are brighter than ever.
Ahead of Sunday morning's matchup against Houston, Mike Carpenter takes a quick look back at Chattanooga before looking ahead to Illinois' next test. He discusses how the Illini can beat the Cougars, some positive takeaways from Friday, and how in March, you can expect the unexpected.
Somehow, someway, the Illini advance to the Round of 32. Mike Carpenter, Issac Ambrose and Kenton Elmore react during the second half of Illinois' win over Chattanooga, which featured a lot of frustration but also big moments from Coleman Hawkins, Alfonso Plummer, and Kofi Cockburn.
The NCAA Tournament is here, and the Illini have an opportunity to make a run. Mike Carpenter discusses why the extended break should help this team physically and mentally, and why analyzing matchups can be fruitless in a one-and-done setting. Finally, he talks about the weight Illinois basketball fans feel whenever March Madness begins.
Illinois basketball has a chance to avenge a 1997 tournament loss when they face Chattanooga on Friday, and a possible revenge game against Kelvin Sampson's Houston to follow. Mike Carpenter and Isaac Ambrose react during the bracket reveal, and discuss the path forward for Brad Underwood's Illini.
