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Florida is No. 1 for a reason. The Gators cracked college basketball’s new code
By Jake O'Donnell
WATCH: Your Illini Nation 2026 Tip-Off Show
Maria Gonzalez
Maria Gonzalez
Sports Reporter · Bloomington, IL
Born and raised in Bloomington, Maria is a passionate sports journalist with a degree from Northern Illinois University. She has covered the local high school sports scene for over 8 years and previously wrote for the Peoria Journal Star, bringing a fresh energy to sports reporting in the area.
More from Maria →Sports Reporter · Friday, October 30, 2026 at 12:09 AM · 1 min read
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) -- Highly anticipated seasons for Illinois men's and women's basketball are just around the corner. The WCIA 3 Your Illini Nation team previews both teams and the road to return trips to the NCAA Tournament. Sports Director Glenn Kinley and Courtney Layne Brewer break down Illinois’ returning stars and new standouts, plus [...]
Up nextFlorida is No. 1 for a reason. The Gators cracked college basketball’s new codeSports · 1 min read
