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

I Wrote a Book! (08/01/24)

Mike Carpenter announces the upcoming release of The 200 Level: An Illinois Fighting Illini Basketball Fan's Journey, available for pre-order now ahead of its general release in October. He details what inspired him to write the book, how the process began, and what he hopes readers will get from it. Also, a discussion of the start of fall football camp and the highly-productive offseason for Brad Underwood's basketball program.

Terrence Shannon Jr. Found Not Guilty (06/14/24)

Terrence Shannon Jr. is found not guilty on the charges he faced in Lawrence, KS. Mike Carpenter reacts to the verdict and the trial itself, including a dearth of evidence from the prosecution and a strong defense from TSJ's attorneys. Also, he discusses Coleman Hawkins' huge NIL deal with Kansas State and Zakhari Franklin's commitment to Bielema's football program.

Supercalifragilistic Kasparas Jakucionis (05/29/24)

Brad Underwood rounds out his roster with the addition of Kasparas Jakucionis, an 18-year-old Lithuanian guard. Mike Carpenter reacts to the new commit and his impressive skill set, along with how it fits with Illinois' seven other additions. Later, he opens the listener mailbag to see how they would grade Illini basketball's offseason.

Euro Trip (05/06/24)

Brad Underwood finds his rim-protecting, 3-point-shooting big after a trip to Europe, landing 7'1" Tomislav Ivisic from Croatia. Mike Carpenter reacts to the new commit which solidifies a revamped, versatile frontcourt with Ben Humichrous, Carey Booth, and Morez Johnson. He also reacts to the latest in the Terrence Shannon Jr. case, along with a look at the state of Illini football after spring practice.

Dr. Underwood (Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Transfer Portal) (04/18/24)

Transfer portal season is fully underway, and Brad Underwood has already bolstered the 2024-25 Illini basketball roster. Mike Carpenter discusses the additions of Kylan Boswell, Jake Davis, Tre White, and Carey Booth, along with the needs for a scorer after Dante Maddox and AJ Storr go elsewhere. Also, he talks about the hot rumor of an assistant coach returning to Champaign. Finally, a brief rant on Illinois football ahead of Saturday's spring game.

Portal Kombat (04/10/24)

Portal season has begun, and Illinois basketball has a lot of work ahead of them. Mike Carpenter reacts to the surprise commitment of Tre White, a sophomore wing from Louisville. He then discusses the biggest names circulating in the rumor mill, from hometown kid Kylan Boswell to AJ Storr, Dante Maddox, and Carey Booth. Over the next few weeks, how will Brad Underwood's roster take shape?

What a Season! (04/03/24)

The 2024 Illinois basketball season is over, and what a memorable season it was. Mike Carpenter reflects on the 29-win team that grabbed a Big Ten Tournament Championship and made it to their first Elite Eight in 19 years. He discusses how this group of players and Brad Underwood injected fun back into the program, while setting it up for success in the years to come.

From Sweet to Elite (03/29/24)

The Illinois Fighting Illini are Elite Eight Bound! They beat Iowa State 72-69 in a game they never trailed, landing counter-punches to every Cyclones run. Mike Carpenter, Isaac Ambrose, Kenton Elmore, and a crew of Illini fans react to the thrilling second half which included key contributions from Terrence Shannon Jr, Dain Dainja, Luke Goode, and the supporting cast. Next up: top overall seed UConn on Saturday evening!