Illinois Basketball: Dates and teams set for Illini multi-team invite

The Illinois basketball program now knows who they will be hosting for their multi-team invite November 25-27.

With 42 days until college basketball’s official tip-off, Illinois got some much-needed clarity as to who they will be hosting November 25-27 at the State Farm Center.

At press time, it is still unclear if fans will be allowed entry into the games. For football at the moment, families are the only people allowed, not including essential staff, as per the Big Ten’s guidelines that were released last month.

According to a tweet from college basketball insider Matt Norlander, the Illini’s multi-team invite will feature Wright State, North Carolina A&T, and Ohio to begin non-conference play.

The full Illinois schedule is in the works.

In normal times, fans and media members alike would instantly know who is playing who, given the nature of how sports seasons progress throughout a given year. However, in the age of a global pandemic, finalized college basketball schedules are tough to come by with just seven weeks until the 2020-2021 season begins.

In addition to the multi-team invite update, insider Jeff Goodman reported some changes to other events around the country. One of them is the Jimmy V Classic, which is set to feature the Illini and Big 12’s Baylor Bears on December 2. Both schools are ranked in the preseason polls, which should make the game a marquee attraction regardless of fan attendance.

The squad began holding practices yesterday, as schools across the country gear up for one of the most unusual seasons in recent memory. Fans or no fans, the start of college hoops could provide a sense of normalcy in the fall sports realm, as it will only be competing against the NFL upon its initial start date.

The countdown has officially begun, as the Orange and Blue look to build off of its best season in over a decade.