Weber thinks Illini can be among Big Ten's best

CHAMPAIGN -- When Illinois' basketball season starts next month, coach Bruce Weber believes the Illini have the talent to be one of or maybe the best team in the Big Ten.

In a rebuilding year, Illinois finished last season ahead of schedule at 24-10 and in the NCAA Tournament. But the Illini's last game was a stunning 76-72 loss to 12th-seeded Western Kentucky.

Junior forward Mike Davis and center Mike Tisdale are back. So is guard and leading scorer Demetri McCamey.

They also have four promising freshmen: guards D.J. Richardson, Joseph Bertrand and Brandon Paul and forward Tyler Griffey.

What the Illini don't bring back is defensive bite to replace departed guard Chester Frazier.