Illinois basketball, football switching to the Score
BY HERB GOULD hgould@suntimes.com April 16, 2013 9:31PM
Illinois coach John Groce yells from the sidelines during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Missouri on Saturday, Dec. 22, 2012, in St. Louis. Missouri won 82-73. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Updated: April 16, 2013 11:47PM
Illinois basketball and football games are moving to WSCR-AM (670), sources said Tuesday.
Illini basketball will move to the Score in the fall. Football games will remain on WIND-AM (560) in 2013 and move to WSCR in 2014 after the Score completes its contract to carry Northern Illinois football.
Illinois athletic director Mike Thomas and his staff, who want to raise the school’s profile in Chicago, are excited about the move. Not only will Illini games be carried by a station with a stronger signal, the Score’s high profile is expected to be an excellent fit for Illinois’ teams.
‘‘This is something Illini sports really needed,’’ said a source close to the athletic department. ‘‘It’s important to have a radio partner comparable to Northwestern on WGN.’’
Learfield Sports, which oversees Illinois’ broadcast operations, negotiated the deal, which brings Illini sports back to WSCR for the first time since 2004-05.
NOTE: Illinois State forward Jon Ekey is transferring to Illinois. The 6-7 redshirt junior from Independence, Mo., who averaged 6.4 points and 4.2 rebounds for the Redbirds last season, will be eligible to play immediately because he earned his bachelor’s degree at ISU.
