The 200 Level: An Illinois Fighting Illini Basketball Fan's Journey

by Mike Carpenter

Three decades of Illinois basketball viewed from the cheap seats at State Farm Center . . .

The 200 An Illinois Fighting Illini Basketball Fan’s Journey offers an in-depth look at the program’s history from the 1990s to present. Mike Carpenter reflects on his personal experience as a fan through all the eras, from Henson to Kruger, Self to Weber, Groce to Underwood, and everything in between.

A lifelong townie, radio and podcast personality, and diehard fan, Carpenter charts the highs and lows of Illini basketball over the last 30+ the 2005 National Runners-up, the Elite Eight teams in 2001 and 2024, multiple Big Ten championships, as well as some disappointments along the way.

Relive it all - Illinois basketball’s biggest games, best players, clutch shots, loudest crowds, and more - from the seats in The 200 Level.

268 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 3, 2024

About the author

Librarian note:
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name.

Reviews

[Imran Kazmi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good reference of Illini basketball history from the past 30 years. Enjoy the good (and not so good) memories.

What if Bill Self doesn’t leave for Kansas?

What if Loyola isn’t underseeded?

[Heath Morber · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is just what I expected. If you like the Mike Carpenter experience, this is the read for you. Otherwise, I'd steer clear.

Fine read, but a star off for excessive use of "gut check," and another star off for his steadfast refusal to put commas and periods inside quotation marks. (I believe he's an English teacher??)

[Scott Finley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carp is one of us. If you’ve been along for the Illini basketball ride, this should be on your bookshelf.

[Caleb Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid read and great summary of what the last 30 years of Illini basketball have been like. Well done!