Good Morning, Illini Nation: Odds and ends

Feb. 24—Sign up for our daily basketball newsletter here

Welcome to "Good Morning, Illini Nation," your daily dose of college basketball news from Illini beat writer and AP Top 25 voter Scott Richey. He'll offer up insights every morning on Brad Underwood's team and college basketball at large:

As we head into an important Saturday afternoon — it's a "can't lose" type of game for Illinois against Iowa after Wednesday's collapse at Penn State — let's take a whip around the basketball world (literally) where the Illini are involved:

— Future Illini Morez Johnson Jr. is a step closer to leading Thornton to Champaign (and toward a state title) after Friday night's regional championship victory against conference rivals Crete-Monee.

Thornton Wildcats wins the IHSA Class 3A TF North Regional Championship with the 60-35 win over Crete-Monee

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Up next: Tuesday (2/27) home at Thornton Sectional vs Evergreen Park at 7 P.M. #TTHS pic.twitter.com/wxc9Qpifno

— Thornton Township HS Boys Basketball (@ThorntonBBall) February 24, 2024

— Former Marquette guard Jerel McNeal weighs in on where Illinois stands following the loss at Penn State.

Confidence shaken in Illinois after yesterday's loss?

"Terrence Shannon is almost a shoe-in for 25 points every night. But who's coming to the party with him? They have some things to clean up. But the ceiling is still there" — @jerel_mcneal

We are LIVE:https://t.co/QfiBOVbh2C pic.twitter.com/ohug5p1vp7

— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) February 23, 2024

— Big news coming for former Illini Andres Feliz? The 6-foot-2 guard is averaging 14.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.4 assists in Liga Endesa (Spain's top level) this season with Joventut but is reportedly drawing interest from one of the most well-known clubs in the country.

Barcelona reportedly close to sign Andres Feliz https://t.co/nHKAzyfBWs

— Sportando (@Sportando) February 23, 2024

— Bracketology is a major talking point all season, but the interest has picked up less than a month out from the bracket being finalized. Fox Sports' Mike DeCourcy has Illinois in a 4-13 matchup with Louisiana Tech. The Bulldogs have a "Big 3" of sorts in long-time standout Isaiah Crawford (their leading scorer) and the well-traveled Tahlik Chavez (a 42 percent three-point shooter) and Daniel Batcho (a double-double machine).

All the latest things going on in @tsnmike's latest bracket

Let us know what you think ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/T38Cfvhw0W

— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) February 23, 2024