Illinois really is that good

[Keith Wedinger]

Time for another perpective check.  Illinois really is that good and
their blowout of UC on New Year's Eve really did not surprise me that
much.  The Illini returned all 5 starters and 8 of their top 9 players
from last season.  All 5 starters are juniors and seniors.  Three of
them are top flight guards that would probably start for just about
every team in the nation.  UC lost two of it's best shooters from last
season and is playing someone new at the PG spot who is more than
likely still learning the position.  Defensively, UC did OK against
them but offensively, UC struggled and a big part of this was how
solid Illinois plays on the defensive end.  Nearly every shot, pass
and dribble I saw from UC was challenged.  Illinois was very effective
in taking UC out of what it wanted to do on the offensive end.  As a
result, what you saw were a lot of bad shots taken out of the context
of the offense.

Coach Huggins and Coach Kennedy both were extremely impressed by what
they say of Illinois on tape.  Coach Kennedy in particular stated that
he saw no real weaknesses to exploit.

I think Illinois will win the Big 10 and will most likely get a #1
seed in the NCAA Tournament.  They will be an extremely tough out in
the tourney.

-- 
Keith Wedinger
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