Here's what I like:
Frontcourt. You can't win in the Big Ten if you don't have a presence (or two) in the post, and Illinois certainly has it this year. Bigs Mike Davis and Mike Tisdale both had breakout sophomore years. Davis (6-9) was second in the conference in rebounding at 8.1 rpg, and is getting buzz from NBA scouts. He should average close to a double-double this year. Tisdale (7-0) is still a bit scrawny but word on him is that he had a great summer and learned a lot at tryouts for the Team USA World Games. The pair started all 34 games together last season, so the chemistry is there for them to take another leap forward (pun intended).
Demetri McCamey. This guy is a stud...when he is consistent. The 6-3 guard has slimmed down ten pounds to a comfortable 195, which should help his already above average quickness. The junior from Bellwood, Ill. is extremely versatile - he can slash, dish, shoot, score and defend. His numbers from last year: 11.4 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 4.6 apg, 41% FG, 76% FT, playing all 34 games. No doubt he will be the team leader again this season. He said it himself that he wants to be first-team all-Big Ten. I've got a hunch he will be close.
Recruiting class. It's been a while since Bruce Weber brought in a class with this much buzz, or any for that matter. The fifth-year coach got to the 2005 title game in St. Louis with Bill Self's guys (Dee Brown, James Augustine, Deron Williams). Athlon Sports rates Illinois' incoming class No. 3 in the Big Ten, behind Indiana and Minnesota. It's led by two 6-3 guards, DJ Richardson ( No. 13 by Rivals.com) and Brandon Paul (No. 22 by Scout.com, 2009 Mr. Basketball of Illinois). These two playmakers should step in nicely for the departed guards from last year's squad.
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