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Illinois’ 10 funniest quotes and moments from 2026 Final Four run

Illinois’ 10 funniest quotes and moments from 2026 Final Four run

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The Illinois Fighting Illini might not be the favorites during this weekend’s Final Four, but they’re certainly the best bet to deliver a memorable quote at some point during their stay in Indianapolis.

Let’s take a look at the 10 best quotes (so far) from the group that has consistently entertained America while also serving as every sports information director’s worst nightmare.

10. “Holy shit. What the fuck is wrong with you?” —Kylan Boswell after David Mirkovic attempted to rip the whole net off the rim instead of cutting a piece off

9. “Last year I’m not sure Ben could guard a dead man. Probably would give up 20 to Izzo’s mom, last year. This year he’s guarding everybody and does not make mistakes … Tom don’t get pissed and call me tonight when you see this. I hear she’s a hell of a player.” —Brad Underwood on Ben Humrichous’ improved defense

8. “My name is David, but my nickname is David.” —David Mirkovic trying to explain the pronunciation of his name

7. “The news just fucking broke. Final Four. Let’s get it, baby.” —Andrej Stojakovic holding up a newspaper during Illinois’ post-Elite Eight victory celebration

6. “I think it wasn’t a foul. Can I talk about it?” —Tomislav Ivisic

“No you cannot.” —Illinois head coach Brad Underwood

“I was very excited that we were up and that my team did good.” —Tomislav Ivisic

5. “I love that. Some people don’t like it, they think it’s not classy. But when people destruct things after wins, I’m a fan of.” —Andrej Stojakovic after seeing the Illinois students celebrating the team’s trip to the Final Four

4. “We didn’t come here to let anybody bitch us … my bad” —Zvonimir Ivisic after Illinois’ Sweet 16 win over Houston on March 26

3. “I saw the big was about to help, and I had a feeling that he might miss. I came in, just happened to catch it, and I just dunked the shit out of that motherfucker.” —Kylan Boswell on his putback dunk against USC on Feb. 18

2. “When he got to like 24 in the first half, I was like ‘shit, this motherfucker’s shootin’ the … like, he’s making everything. We’ve gotta keep gettin’ him the ball.‘ And we did.” —Jake Davis on Keaton Wagler’s 46-point game against Purdue

1. “If we lost today and I wasn’t playing, I would k*ll myself probably.” —David Mirkovic on playing through the pain in Illinois’ road win over Purdue on Jan. 24

Zero PR training. Perfectly built for March … and early April.

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Deadspin | Carlos Cortes, A’s work to flex muscles in rematch vs. Rangers Apr 24, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Athletics left fielder Carlos Cortes (26) stands on the field after a game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Cortes had a two home run and four RBI game. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images There will need to be a roster move when Athletics slugger Brent Rooker is activated from the injured list, but it’s safe to say that Carlos Cortes isn’t going anywhere. Cortes, 28, has been a pleasant surprise for the Athletics, who will continue their three-game series against the Texas Rangers on Saturday evening in Arlington, Texas. Cortes homered twice and drove in four runs in the Athletics’ 8-1 victory on Friday. He is 10-for-21 with three homers in his last five games and is batting .339 with four homers and 11 RBIs for the season. Nick Kurtz, Cortes and Tyler Soderstrom each hit solo homers in the first inning to set the tone in Friday’s win. Zack Gelof added a two-run shot in the ninth to help the Athletics win for the third time in their last four games and take over first place in the American League West. Cortes started at designated hitter on Friday, but he’ll likely move to left field when Rooker rejoins the team — perhaps as soon as this weekend. Rooker has been out since April 10 with a right oblique strain and may not need a rehab assignment. “It’s a shorter time frame than what we expected, for sure,” A’s manager Mark Kotsay said. “He does feel really good with everything he’s done up to this point. That being said, we’ll determine if he needs to go on a rehab or whether he just comes back. For his role as a DH, it’s not as important that he goes out and builds his legs up, as most guys that play the field would need.” Saturday’s pitching matchup will feature a pair of left-handers in the Rangers’ MacKenzie Gore (2-2, 4.15 ERA) and the Athletics’ Jeffrey Springs (3-1, 3.34). Gore, 27, allowed five runs over five innings in a 5-2 road loss to the Seattle Mariners last Sunday. He issued one walk after allowing a career-high six free passes over 4 2/3 innings in a 2-1 loss to the Athletics on April 14. “I think there’s always stuff to work on,” Texas manager Skip Schumaker said. “I think he didn’t walk many guys (Sunday). From last start to this start, we’ll take that. He’ll continue to make the adjustments. He’s one of our better pitchers. I’m sure he’s looking forward to the next one already.” Jeff McNeil is 8-for-14 (.571) against Gore, who is 1-2 with a 7.11 ERA in three career starts vs. the Athletics. The A’s will counter on Saturday with Springs, who allowed a total of four runs over his first four starts before yielding seven runs over five frames in a 7-4 home loss to the Chicago White Sox on Sunday. “I just didn’t feel like the ball was coming out very good from the get-go,” Springs said. “It just kind of felt like everything was slow, body-wise. It is what it is. Those are going to happen.” Springs, 33, will face Gore and the Athletics for the second time this month after allowing one run over 6 1/3 innings on April 14. Texas’ Josh Jung is 4-for-11 (.364) with a home run against Springs, who is 3-1 with a 2.32 ERA in eight career games (five starts) vs. the Rangers. Jung doubled in a run in Friday’s loss and is batting .379 with three homers and 12 RBIs over his last 19 games. “I have an understanding of what I’m trying to accomplish in the at-bat,” Jung said, “and what I’m looking for.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Carlos #Cortes #work #flex #muscles #rematch #RangersApr 24, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Athletics left fielder Carlos Cortes (26) stands on the field after a game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Cortes had a two home run and four RBI game. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

There will need to be a roster move when Athletics slugger Brent Rooker is activated from the injured list, but it’s safe to say that Carlos Cortes isn’t going anywhere.

Cortes, 28, has been a pleasant surprise for the Athletics, who will continue their three-game series against the Texas Rangers on Saturday evening in Arlington, Texas.

Cortes homered twice and drove in four runs in the Athletics’ 8-1 victory on Friday. He is 10-for-21 with three homers in his last five games and is batting .339 with four homers and 11 RBIs for the season.

Nick Kurtz, Cortes and Tyler Soderstrom each hit solo homers in the first inning to set the tone in Friday’s win. Zack Gelof added a two-run shot in the ninth to help the Athletics win for the third time in their last four games and take over first place in the American League West.

Cortes started at designated hitter on Friday, but he’ll likely move to left field when Rooker rejoins the team — perhaps as soon as this weekend. Rooker has been out since April 10 with a right oblique strain and may not need a rehab assignment.

“It’s a shorter time frame than what we expected, for sure,” A’s manager Mark Kotsay said. “He does feel really good with everything he’s done up to this point. That being said, we’ll determine if he needs to go on a rehab or whether he just comes back. For his role as a DH, it’s not as important that he goes out and builds his legs up, as most guys that play the field would need.”

Saturday’s pitching matchup will feature a pair of left-handers in the Rangers’ MacKenzie Gore (2-2, 4.15 ERA) and the Athletics’ Jeffrey Springs (3-1, 3.34).

Gore, 27, allowed five runs over five innings in a 5-2 road loss to the Seattle Mariners last Sunday. He issued one walk after allowing a career-high six free passes over 4 2/3 innings in a 2-1 loss to the Athletics on April 14.


“I think there’s always stuff to work on,” Texas manager Skip Schumaker said. “I think he didn’t walk many guys (Sunday). From last start to this start, we’ll take that. He’ll continue to make the adjustments. He’s one of our better pitchers. I’m sure he’s looking forward to the next one already.”

Jeff McNeil is 8-for-14 (.571) against Gore, who is 1-2 with a 7.11 ERA in three career starts vs. the Athletics.

The A’s will counter on Saturday with Springs, who allowed a total of four runs over his first four starts before yielding seven runs over five frames in a 7-4 home loss to the Chicago White Sox on Sunday.

“I just didn’t feel like the ball was coming out very good from the get-go,” Springs said. “It just kind of felt like everything was slow, body-wise. It is what it is. Those are going to happen.”

Springs, 33, will face Gore and the Athletics for the second time this month after allowing one run over 6 1/3 innings on April 14.

Texas’ Josh Jung is 4-for-11 (.364) with a home run against Springs, who is 3-1 with a 2.32 ERA in eight career games (five starts) vs. the Rangers.

Jung doubled in a run in Friday’s loss and is batting .379 with three homers and 12 RBIs over his last 19 games.

“I have an understanding of what I’m trying to accomplish in the at-bat,” Jung said, “and what I’m looking for.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Carlos #Cortes #work #flex #muscles #rematch #Rangers">Deadspin | Carlos Cortes, A’s work to flex muscles in rematch vs. Rangers Apr 24, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Athletics left fielder Carlos Cortes (26) stands on the field after a game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Cortes had a two home run and four RBI game. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images There will need to be a roster move when Athletics slugger Brent Rooker is activated from the injured list, but it’s safe to say that Carlos Cortes isn’t going anywhere. Cortes, 28, has been a pleasant surprise for the Athletics, who will continue their three-game series against the Texas Rangers on Saturday evening in Arlington, Texas. Cortes homered twice and drove in four runs in the Athletics’ 8-1 victory on Friday. He is 10-for-21 with three homers in his last five games and is batting .339 with four homers and 11 RBIs for the season. Nick Kurtz, Cortes and Tyler Soderstrom each hit solo homers in the first inning to set the tone in Friday’s win. Zack Gelof added a two-run shot in the ninth to help the Athletics win for the third time in their last four games and take over first place in the American League West. Cortes started at designated hitter on Friday, but he’ll likely move to left field when Rooker rejoins the team — perhaps as soon as this weekend. Rooker has been out since April 10 with a right oblique strain and may not need a rehab assignment. “It’s a shorter time frame than what we expected, for sure,” A’s manager Mark Kotsay said. “He does feel really good with everything he’s done up to this point. That being said, we’ll determine if he needs to go on a rehab or whether he just comes back. For his role as a DH, it’s not as important that he goes out and builds his legs up, as most guys that play the field would need.” Saturday’s pitching matchup will feature a pair of left-handers in the Rangers’ MacKenzie Gore (2-2, 4.15 ERA) and the Athletics’ Jeffrey Springs (3-1, 3.34). Gore, 27, allowed five runs over five innings in a 5-2 road loss to the Seattle Mariners last Sunday. He issued one walk after allowing a career-high six free passes over 4 2/3 innings in a 2-1 loss to the Athletics on April 14. “I think there’s always stuff to work on,” Texas manager Skip Schumaker said. “I think he didn’t walk many guys (Sunday). From last start to this start, we’ll take that. He’ll continue to make the adjustments. He’s one of our better pitchers. I’m sure he’s looking forward to the next one already.” Jeff McNeil is 8-for-14 (.571) against Gore, who is 1-2 with a 7.11 ERA in three career starts vs. the Athletics. The A’s will counter on Saturday with Springs, who allowed a total of four runs over his first four starts before yielding seven runs over five frames in a 7-4 home loss to the Chicago White Sox on Sunday. “I just didn’t feel like the ball was coming out very good from the get-go,” Springs said. “It just kind of felt like everything was slow, body-wise. It is what it is. Those are going to happen.” Springs, 33, will face Gore and the Athletics for the second time this month after allowing one run over 6 1/3 innings on April 14. Texas’ Josh Jung is 4-for-11 (.364) with a home run against Springs, who is 3-1 with a 2.32 ERA in eight career games (five starts) vs. the Rangers. Jung doubled in a run in Friday’s loss and is batting .379 with three homers and 12 RBIs over his last 19 games. “I have an understanding of what I’m trying to accomplish in the at-bat,” Jung said, “and what I’m looking for.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Carlos #Cortes #work #flex #muscles #rematch #Rangers

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s third-fastest century in the IPL went in vain as Sunrisers Hyderabad overhauled 229 runs and beat Rajasthan Royals by five wickets at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium in Jaipur on Saturday.

The teenage prodigy’s 35-ball century got Royals to a commanding total of 228 for five. But Sunrisers banked on quickfire fifties from Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan to reach the target with nine balls to spare.

For Pat Cummins’ side, this was the fourth straight win in the tournament which lifted the side to the third place in the points table.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#SRH #IPL #Ishan #Abhishek #Sunrisers #Royals">RR vs SRH, IPL 2026: Ishan, Abhishek take Sunrisers past Royals Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s third-fastest century in the IPL went in vain as Sunrisers Hyderabad overhauled 229 runs and beat Rajasthan Royals by five wickets at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium in Jaipur on Saturday.The teenage prodigy’s 35-ball century got Royals to a commanding total of 228 for five. But Sunrisers banked on quickfire fifties from Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan to reach the target with nine balls to spare.For Pat Cummins’ side, this was the fourth straight win in the tournament which lifted the side to the third place in the points table.Published on Apr 25, 2026 #SRH #IPL #Ishan #Abhishek #Sunrisers #Royals

Deadspin | Royals attempt to build steam vs. Angels Apr 24, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) douses left fielder Isaac Collins (1) with ice water after beating the Los Angeles Angels at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images The Kansas City Royals entered Saturday as one of four teams that have yet to reach 10 wins this season. The Royals, however, have shown signs of turning it around after winning of two of three games following an eight-game losing streak. Kansas City will aim to continue its recent upturn on Saturday night when it hosts the Los Angeles Angels in the second contest of a three-game series. After a 6-3 win on Friday night, the Royals hope to get one of their top players, Maikel Garcia, back from right elbow soreness. Garcia didn’t play in the series opener, although he was available off the bench to hit, run or play defense. Garcia told the Kansas City Star that he hopes to be back in the lineup on Saturday. The Royals will turn to left-hander Cole Ragans (0-4, 6.00 ERA) against the Angels. Ragans allowed three homers and seven earned runs in 4 1/3 innings in his most recent start, a 7-0 loss to the Yankees in New York on Sunday. First innings have been a problem for Ragans, who has allowed seven of the 14 earned runs he’s surrendered this season in the opening frame. He also has walked 18 batters in five starts. The Royals put together a five-run fourth inning on Friday that was the turning point in the series opener. “Just try to get on, get the guy over, get the guy in,” Kansas City’s Bobby Witt Jr. told the Star. “Whatever we’re doing, try to take unselfish at-bats and just go up there and grind. Just go up there and look for what you are hunting and go out there and just compete.” The Angels have lost five of their last six games and have scored nine runs total in those five defeats. They hope to turn their fortunes around on Saturday when they send right-hander Walbert Urena (0-2, 2.35) to the mound. Urena, 22, will make his second start in what will be four appearances this season after moving from the bullpen to the rotation. He pitched well in his first career start on Sunday against the San Diego Padres, when he allowed two runs on four hits with eight strikeouts and two walks over six innings in a 2-1 defeat. Mike Trout’s eight home runs lead the Angels this season. The veteran set a franchise record for most career games played at any one position with his 1,367th appearance in center field, which moved him past longtime shortstop Jim Fregosi (1,366 games). Trout, 34, has long been the face of the Angels and is in his 16th season with the team. “Mike has been in this game a long time, even though he’s still young,” Angels manager Kurt Suzuki told MLB.com. “That’s a testament to how special of a talent he is. Anytime you can play this game and surpass milestones, it’s definitely a tribute to the player.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Royals #attempt #build #steam #AngelsApr 24, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) douses left fielder Isaac Collins (1) with ice water after beating the Los Angeles Angels at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images

The Kansas City Royals entered Saturday as one of four teams that have yet to reach 10 wins this season.

The Royals, however, have shown signs of turning it around after winning of two of three games following an eight-game losing streak.

Kansas City will aim to continue its recent upturn on Saturday night when it hosts the Los Angeles Angels in the second contest of a three-game series.

After a 6-3 win on Friday night, the Royals hope to get one of their top players, Maikel Garcia, back from right elbow soreness. Garcia didn’t play in the series opener, although he was available off the bench to hit, run or play defense.

Garcia told the Kansas City Star that he hopes to be back in the lineup on Saturday.

The Royals will turn to left-hander Cole Ragans (0-4, 6.00 ERA) against the Angels. Ragans allowed three homers and seven earned runs in 4 1/3 innings in his most recent start, a 7-0 loss to the Yankees in New York on Sunday.

First innings have been a problem for Ragans, who has allowed seven of the 14 earned runs he’s surrendered this season in the opening frame. He also has walked 18 batters in five starts.


The Royals put together a five-run fourth inning on Friday that was the turning point in the series opener.

“Just try to get on, get the guy over, get the guy in,” Kansas City’s Bobby Witt Jr. told the Star. “Whatever we’re doing, try to take unselfish at-bats and just go up there and grind. Just go up there and look for what you are hunting and go out there and just compete.”

The Angels have lost five of their last six games and have scored nine runs total in those five defeats. They hope to turn their fortunes around on Saturday when they send right-hander Walbert Urena (0-2, 2.35) to the mound.

Urena, 22, will make his second start in what will be four appearances this season after moving from the bullpen to the rotation. He pitched well in his first career start on Sunday against the San Diego Padres, when he allowed two runs on four hits with eight strikeouts and two walks over six innings in a 2-1 defeat.

Mike Trout’s eight home runs lead the Angels this season. The veteran set a franchise record for most career games played at any one position with his 1,367th appearance in center field, which moved him past longtime shortstop Jim Fregosi (1,366 games).

Trout, 34, has long been the face of the Angels and is in his 16th season with the team.

“Mike has been in this game a long time, even though he’s still young,” Angels manager Kurt Suzuki told MLB.com. “That’s a testament to how special of a talent he is. Anytime you can play this game and surpass milestones, it’s definitely a tribute to the player.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Royals #attempt #build #steam #Angels">Deadspin | Royals attempt to build steam vs. Angels Apr 24, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) douses left fielder Isaac Collins (1) with ice water after beating the Los Angeles Angels at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images The Kansas City Royals entered Saturday as one of four teams that have yet to reach 10 wins this season. The Royals, however, have shown signs of turning it around after winning of two of three games following an eight-game losing streak. Kansas City will aim to continue its recent upturn on Saturday night when it hosts the Los Angeles Angels in the second contest of a three-game series. After a 6-3 win on Friday night, the Royals hope to get one of their top players, Maikel Garcia, back from right elbow soreness. Garcia didn’t play in the series opener, although he was available off the bench to hit, run or play defense. Garcia told the Kansas City Star that he hopes to be back in the lineup on Saturday. The Royals will turn to left-hander Cole Ragans (0-4, 6.00 ERA) against the Angels. Ragans allowed three homers and seven earned runs in 4 1/3 innings in his most recent start, a 7-0 loss to the Yankees in New York on Sunday. First innings have been a problem for Ragans, who has allowed seven of the 14 earned runs he’s surrendered this season in the opening frame. He also has walked 18 batters in five starts. The Royals put together a five-run fourth inning on Friday that was the turning point in the series opener. “Just try to get on, get the guy over, get the guy in,” Kansas City’s Bobby Witt Jr. told the Star. “Whatever we’re doing, try to take unselfish at-bats and just go up there and grind. Just go up there and look for what you are hunting and go out there and just compete.” The Angels have lost five of their last six games and have scored nine runs total in those five defeats. They hope to turn their fortunes around on Saturday when they send right-hander Walbert Urena (0-2, 2.35) to the mound. Urena, 22, will make his second start in what will be four appearances this season after moving from the bullpen to the rotation. He pitched well in his first career start on Sunday against the San Diego Padres, when he allowed two runs on four hits with eight strikeouts and two walks over six innings in a 2-1 defeat. Mike Trout’s eight home runs lead the Angels this season. The veteran set a franchise record for most career games played at any one position with his 1,367th appearance in center field, which moved him past longtime shortstop Jim Fregosi (1,366 games). Trout, 34, has long been the face of the Angels and is in his 16th season with the team. “Mike has been in this game a long time, even though he’s still young,” Angels manager Kurt Suzuki told MLB.com. “That’s a testament to how special of a talent he is. Anytime you can play this game and surpass milestones, it’s definitely a tribute to the player.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Royals #attempt #build #steam #Angels

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