Illini basketball at a glance
Coach: Bruce Weber (173-72, eighth year at Illinois; 276-126, 13th year overall)
2009-10 record: 21-15 (10-8 Big Ten, fifth); Lost to Dayton in NIT quarterfinal.
Starters returning/lost: 5/0
Projected starters
PF Bill Cole 6-9 215 Sr.: Everyone expects him to surrender starting job, but he adds defense, 3-point touch and “Matto” tangibles
PF Mike Davis 6-9 225 Sr.: Big Ten's reigning rebound champ boasts noticeable muscles for first time; aims to average double-double
C Mike Tisdale 7-1 250 Sr.: He's the team's best 3-point shooter and best post threat, so it stands to reason he should lead team in shots
PG Demetri McCamey 6-3 200 Sr.: Ken Norman, Frank Williams and Dee Brown are ILL's only other all-Big Ten first-teamers to return to school in last 40 years
SG D.J. Richardson 6-3 195 So.: Terrific 3-point shooter and defender last year; he vows to get back to his slashing game this year
Reserves
F/G Jereme Richmond 6-7 205 Fr.: Illinois' first McDonald's All-American since Dee Brown could determine how special this squad will be
SG Brandon Paul 6-4 200 So.: Weber impressed with Warren HS grad's more sustained efforts and willingness to do the “Matto” things during preseason
C Meyers Leonard 7-0 240 Fr.: Absurdly athletic, but still learning post moves and defense. Doesn't shy away from contact
G Crandall Head 6-4 185 Fr.: Luther's “little” brother is taller, stronger and will be a defensive force immediately, but elbow flies out on his shot
PF Tyler Griffey 6-8 235 So.: Added muscle and inches to his vertical in offseason; now must learn to bang as well as he shoots
G Joseph Bertrand 6-5 195 r-Fr.: Superb athlete a step behind his classmates due to inconsistent shot and inexperience
G Kevin Berardini 6-0 175 r-Fr.: Lake Forest grad and Loyola Marymount transfer walked on this summer
Illini schedule
Mon. UC IRVINE # 7 p.m. ESPN3.com
Wed. TOLEDO # 7 p.m. ESPN3.com
Sat. S. ILLINOIS 7 p.m. BTN
Nov. 18 vs. Texas # (at NYC) 8 p.m. ESPN2
Nov. 19 vs. Pitt/Maryland # (at NYC) 4 or 6 p.m. ESPN2
Nov. 23 YALE 8:45 p.m. ESPNU
Nov. 27 at W. Michigan Noon ESPN3.com
Nov. 30 N. CAROLINA* 8:30 p.m. ESPN
Dec. 4 vs. Gonzaga (at Seattle) 4 p.m. ESPN
Dec. 8 OAKLAND 7 p.m. BigTenNetwork.com
Dec. 12 N. COLORADO 5 p.m. BTN
Dec. 18 vs. UIC (at United Center) 1 p.m. BTN
Dec. 22 vs. Missouri (at St. Louis) 8 p.m. ESPN2
Dec. 29 at Iowa 8 p.m. BTN
Jan. 2 WISCONSIN 5 p.m. BTN
Jan. 6 NORTHWESTERN 8 p.m. ESPN2
Jan. 11 at Penn State 8 p.m. BTN
Jan. 15 at Wisconsin 2 p.m. BTN
Jan. 18 MICHIGAN ST. 6 p.m. ESPN
Jan. 22 OHIO STATE 11 a.m. CBS
Jan. 27 at Indiana 8 p.m. BTN
Feb. 1 PENN STATE 8 p.m. BTN
Feb. 5 at Northwestern Noon CBS
Feb. 10 at Minnesota 8 p.m. ESPN /ESPN2
Feb. 13 PURDUE Noon CBS
Feb. 16 MICHIGAN 7:30 p.m. BTN
Feb. 19 at Michigan St. 8 p.m. ESPN
Feb. 22 at Ohio State 6 p.m. ESPN
Feb. 26/27 IOWA TBA
Mar. 1 at Purdue 6 p.m. ESPN
Mar. 5/6 INDIANA BA
March 10-13 Big Ten tournament**
# Coaches vs. Cancer Classic
* ACC/Big Ten Challenge
** At Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis