Basketball Showcase 2016

THE DAILY ILLINI

Basketball Showcase Monday, November 7, 2016

ANCHORED BY AGE Abrams finally ready to get back on the court PAGE 4

Time is the greatest gift for Thorne Jr. PAGE 8

Hill wants to leave individual legacy PAGE 11

Monday, November 7, 2016

THE DAILY ILLINI | WWW.DAILYILLINI.COM

2

2016-17 Illinois men’s basketball schedule NOV. 11

SOUTHEAST MISSOURI

DEC. 10

2 P.M.

NOV. 13 5 P.M.

NORTHERN KENTUCKY

DEC. 17

8:30 P.M. BYU | Chicago,

JAN. 31

8 P.M.

WISCONSIN

NOV. 15 7 P.M.

MCKENDREE

DEC. 21

6 P.M.

Missouri | St. Louis

FEB. 4

3 P.M.

MINNESOTA

NOV. 18 7 P.M.

DETROIT

DEC. 27

4 P.M.

Maryland | College Park, Md.

FEB. 7

7 P.M.

Northwestern | Evanston, Ill.

NOV. 21

WINTHROP

JAN. 1

TBD

OHIO STATE

FEB. 11

1 P.M.

PENN STATE

West Virginia | Brooklyn, N.Y.

JAN. 7

4 P.M.

Indiana | Bloomington, Ind.

FEB. 18

1 P.M.

Iowa | Iowa City, Iowa

NOV. 25 11:30 A.M. Florida State | Brooklyn, N.Y.

JAN. 11

8 P.M.

MICHIGAN

FEB. 21

7 P.M.

NORTHWESTERN

NOV 25. 2 P.M.

Temple | Brooklyn, N.Y.

JAN. 14

5 P.M.

MARYLAND

FEB. 26

6:30 P.M. Nebraska | Lincoln, Neb

NOV. 29 8 P.M.

NORTH CAROLINA STATE

JAN. 17

6 P.M.

Purdue | West Lafayette, Ind.

MARCH 1 8 P.M.

MICHIGAN STATE

DEC. 3

2 P.M.

VCU | Miami

JAN. 21

1:15 P.M.

Michigan | Ann Arbor, Mich.

MARCH 4 11 A.M.

Rutgers | Piscataway, N.J

DEC. 6

7 P.M.

IUPUI

JAN. 25

8 P.M.

IOWA

MARCH 8-12

Big Ten tournament

7 P.M.

NOV. 24 2 P.M.

CENTRAL MICHIGAN

JAN. 28 3:30 P.M. Penn State | University Park, Pa.

8 P.M.

See the Difference with

Bankier Apartments

Studio, 1,2,3 & 4 bedrooms

WPGU

107.1

Take a video tour at www.bankierapartments.com or call 217-328-3770

LISTEN LIVE 24/7 ·WPGU.COM·

THE DAILY ILLINI | WWW.DAILYILLINI.COM

Monday, November 7, 2016

3

0 D.J. WILLIAMS, G

1 JAYLON TATE, G

2 KIPPER NICHOLS, F

3 TE’JON LUCAS, G

YEAR: Sophomore HOMETOWN: Chicago HIGH SCHOOL: Simeon HEIGHT: 6-foot-7 WEIGHT: 210 pounds

YEAR: Senior HOMETOWN: Chicago HIGH SCHOOL: Simeon HEIGHT: 6-foot-3 WEIGHT: 170 pounds

YEAR: Redshirt-Freshman HOMETOWN: Cleveland HIGH SCHOOL: St. Edward HEIGHT: 6-foot-6 WEIGHT: 225 pounds

YEAR: Freshman HOMETOWN: Milwaukee HIGH SCHOOL: Washinigton HEIGHT: 6-foot-0 WEIGHT: 170 pounds

5 JALEN COLEMAN-LANDS, G

10 DREW CAYCE, G

12 LERON BLACK, F

13 TRACY ABRAMS, G

YEAR: Sophomore HOMETOWN: Indianapolis HIGH SCHOOL: La Lumiere HEIGHT: 6-foot-3 WEIGHT: 190 pounds

YEAR: Sophomore HOMETOWN: Libertyville, Ill. HIGH SCHOOL: La Lumiere HEIGHT: 6-foot WEIGHT: 165 pounds

YEAR: Sophomore HOMETOWN: Memphis, Tenn.

HIGH SCHOOL: White Station HEIGHT: 6-foot-7 WEIGHT: 220 pounds

YEAR: Graduate HOMETOWN: Chicago HIGH SCHOOL: Mount Carmel HEIGHT: 6-foot-2 WEIGHT: 185 pounds

21 MALCOLM HILL, G

22 MAVERICK MORGAN, C

23 AARON JORDAN, G

33 MIKE THORNE JR., C

YEAR: Senior HOMETOWN: Fairview Heights, Ill. HIGH SCHOOL: Belleville East HEIGHT: 6-foot-6 WEIGHT: 225 pounds

YEAR: Senior HOMETOWN: Springboro, Ohio HIGH SCHOOL: Springboro HEIGHT: 6-foot-10 WEIGHT: 245 pounds

YEAR: Sophomore HOMETOWN: Plainfield, Ill. HIGH SCHOOL: East HEIGHT: 6-foot-5 WEIGHT: 190 pounds

YEAR: Graduate HOMETOWN: Fayetteville, N.C. HIGH SCHOOL: Trinity Christian HEIGHT: 6-foot-11 WEIGHT: 280 pounds

41 CLAYTON JONES, G

43 MICHAEL FINKE, F

44 ALEX AUSTIN, G

45 CAMERON LISS, F

YEAR: Junior HOMETOWN: Champaign, Ill. HIGH SCHOOL: Central HEIGHT: 6-foot-0 WEIGHT: 170 pounds

YEAR: Sophomore HOMETOWN: Champaign, Ill. HIGH SCHOOL: Centennial HEIGHT: 6-foot-10 WEIGHT: 230 pounds

YEAR: Senior HOMETOWN: Chicago HIGH SCHOOL: Mount Carmel HEIGHT: 6-foot-4 WEIGHT: 190 pounds

YEAR: Junior HOMETOWN: Northbrook, Ill. HIGH SCHOOL: Glenbrook North HEIGHT: 6-foot-6 WEIGHT: 220 pounds

Monday, November 7, 2016

THE DAILY ILLINI | WWW.DAILYILLINI.COM

4

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Bollant will have to rely on Wittinger as a team leader

BY JACOB DIAZ STAFF WRITER

Alex Wittinger has done the work: She has become a leader and adopted a larger role on the Illinois women’s basketball team. And now she is poised to have a breakout season for the Illini.

At least that’s how head coach Matt Bollant sees it. “(Wittinger) won our most improved player award last season, and she’s improved a ton from March until now,” Bollant said.

“And I think (she) will be one of the better players in the Big Ten.” While she is only a sophomore, Wittinger’s career numbers show that she is on the right

path to get there.

As a freshman, Wittinger averaged 10 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.8 blocks, good enough to earn her a spot on the Big Ten All-Freshman team. The forward from Minnesota was also second in the conference in offensive rebounds.

However, Wittinger’s numbers aren’t why Bollant believes in her so much.

“There’s not a harder worker around, in the Big Ten or maybe even the country,” Bollant said. “When she came in she was a good athlete, but really didn’t shoot very well, didn’t handle the ball very well, didn’t pass very well. And now because of the level of intensity she goes at she’s gotten better in

all of those areas.”

As high of a bar as Bollant is setting for Wittinger’s play, he is hoping that she can also improve as a leader.

Up until this point, Wittinger has lead by example through her play. She has shot over 50 percent from the field, hitting the boards on both sides of the ball, and working hard in practice.

Now, as Bollant tries to integrate six freshman into the team, he is looking to Wittinger to continue leading by example, but also become more of a vocal leader.

“I’ve just tried to not think about what I’m doing so much, and focus on my teammates,” Wittinger said. “I’m focused on what they’re

doing, which helps me be more vocal. (I’ve also) been focused on talking more in practice, because if you don’t talk in practice it won’t translate to the game.”

The team’s total roster is 11, with freshmen accounting for 55 percent of the team.

With such a young squad, Bollant’s advice to freshman is simple.

“If you want to be great, follow Alex. Do what Alex Wittinger does,” Bollant said.

“Because of the way (Alex) works, the freshmen are coming in and they’re learning the trade.” jvdiaz2@dailyillini.com @Jacob_Diaz31

Abrams returns after setbacks

BY LUCAS WRIGHT STAFF WRITER

THE DAILY ILLINI FILE PHOTO

Fans pack Illinois’ State Farm Center. Kipper Nichols, an Illinois forward, sat out a year after the NCAA deemed him a transfer student. He will resume play on Dec. 17.

Transfer Nichols joins Illini teammates after missed season

BY MATT GERTSMEIER ILLINI HOOPS COLUMNIST

After sitting out last season, Kipper Nichols is still going to have to wait his turn.

Illinois basketball’s first game is Nov. 11, but the season won’t officially begin for Nichols until Dec. 17 when Illinois takes on BYU in Chicago.

For the Illini, that will be the 12th game of the season. For Nichols, it will be his first game since the Ohio high school state semifinals on March 27, 2015. Nichols, from Cleveland, Ohio, put up 20 points and secured nine rebounds in a 57-51 loss.

Nichols already knows Dec. 17 will be a great feeling.

“That will be awesome,” Nichols said. “It’ll be a relief. I tell everybody I feel like an old head, but I’m a young guy. That day will be full of excitement for me.”

Nichols, however, is only 19.

The 6-foot-6 forward signed a national letter of intent with Tulane but did not enroll in fall classes due to personal reasons. He officially joined the Illini in December 2015, but the NCAA deemed him as a transfer and declared he had to sit out a year.

But that has only motivated him more.

“I come out and I play with a chip on my shoulder,” Nichols said. “I like to compete.

I’m a guy that’s happy whenever the rest of

the team does well.”

Nichols is looking to make an impact — if not with his play, with his style.

During Illini Media Day on Oct. 7, Nichols was decked out with an intricate shooting sleeve and an upside down Nike headband.

The sleeve was passed down from former Illini guard Mike LaTulip.

When Nichols expressed how much he liked it, LaTulip let him try it one day in practice.

Nichols had such a good day in practice with it on that LaTulip gave it to him for keeps.

As for the upside down Nike headband, Nichols says he likes to be spontaneous.

“I’m trying something different,” Nichols said. “My plan is to have a lot of people wanting to be out there wearing an upside down Nike headband. So, we’ll see how that goes.

(I’m) trying to start something new.”

While it’s hard to predict what Nichols will do in his first organized game in over a year, one thing is for sure — he’ll look good doing so.

“In basketball, people who don’t play the game might not understand how important the way you dress on the court means,” Nichols said. “Look good, feel good. Feel good, play good type of mentality.” gertsme2@dailyillini.com @MattGertsmeier

Two missed seasons and multiple injuries are a thing of the past: Illinois basketball’s Tracy Abrams is back, and he’s ready to ball.

“I’m at a great place right now, and it definitely feels good to be back in this position,” Abrams said. “Just to be out here, back playing this sport again, back competing with my teammates is definitely a blessing.”

Abrams’ story is a well-known one amongst Illini basketball fans. He was on his way to play his senior season, coming off a strong junior campaign, leading the team with an average 10.7 points and 3.2 assists per game.

But Abrams’ season was derailed after an ACL from September workouts sidelined him for the entire 2014-15 campaign.

After 10 months of rehab, Abrams suffered yet another setback.

This time it was a torn Achilles that took the point guard out of the rotation for the season.

Now an uneasy feeling came along with the rehab. Abrams had to be granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA in order to return to the floor for Illinois.

Luckily for Abrams and the Illini, he was granted that waiver in June and returns healthy for 2016-17 season.

With Abrams finally back, the question is for the Illini is what does he bring?

While playing time is still up in the air, one thing is for sure; head coach John Groce is happy to have Abrams and his experience back on the court.

“I think he sees things a little bit as a coach, because he was sitting there at the same perspective and viewpoint,” Groce said. “I think that has made him more mature, it’s made him a better leader, and ultimately a better player. It’s like having an old man out there.”

For now the starting spot is his to lose, with freshman Te’Jon Lucas the only other true point guard on the roster.

All signs point to it being a point guard by committee behind Abrams this season. Groce noted senior Jaylon Tate had gotten reps at the position along with many of the wing players.

The extent of Abrams’ contributions is not

only in his on-the-court talents. Being the eldest member of the Illini, the rest of the roster has looked to Abrams for guidance, especially the youngest member: 18-year old Lucas.

“He’s taken Te’Jon under his wing, and helps a lot of his position group,” Groce said.

“He demands a lot of himself, which is why he’s able to demand a lot out of others.”

A couple years of experience seems to have given Abrams a new perspective on basketball, but it won’t be until he gets extended time on the court that we will see if the rust has been shaken off.

Regardless of all the talk and speculation, Abrams says he’s going to show everyone that he’s still got game.

“Talk is cheap,” Abrams said. “I’m stronger, I think I’m faster, and I’m sure I jump higher.

I think that will translate to the court, and I’m always confident.” lswrigh2@dailyillini.com @LucasWright95

THE DAILY ILLINI FILE PHOTO

Tracy Abrams will play his first game for the Illini in two seasons.

THE DAILY ILLINI | WWW.DAILYILLINI.COM

Monday, November 7, 2016

5

Coleman-Lands looks to solve Illinois’ injury problems in future Sophomore aspires to run medical device firm after suffering several injuries

BY MATT GERTSMEIER ILLINI HOOPS COLUMNIST

Last season, Illinois basketball was plagued with injuries.

From start to finish, it seemed like head coach John Groce couldn’t catch a break.

But, the Illini might have found a solution to their problems from one of their own who has battled with setbacks.

They just might have to wait a few years.

Jalen Coleman-Lands is only a sophomore but has had his fair share of injuries. As a freshman, he battled a stress fracture in his leg and this past September, he suffered a broken hand.

He has been immersed in the healthfield, dealing with doctors and appointments whether he wanted to them or not. But one day, he wants to be a part of the solution.

“I’ve always wanted to start my own medical device firm,” Coleman-Lands said. “That’s the ultimate goal. Technology is starting to modernize. As (health) becomes more technology-based, that’s where I want to go.”

He doesn’t have a specific sector he wants to focus on. He says right now he would want

different instruments to cover a wide range.

For now, it’s an idea. But it’s an idea he's prepared to make a reality because of his experience playing basketball.

“I feel that I can use the marketing standpoint of being able to interview and being personable,” Coleman-Lands said. “That translates to talking about my instruments and my devices. Hopefully my name and my brand will speak for itself.”

For now, Coleman-Lands and Illinois will have to rely on team doctors and trainers to keep up their health. Athletic trainer Paul Schmidt and strength and conditioning coach Adam Fletcher have already been making an impact this season, especially on Coleman-Lands.

When it was fi rst announced ColemanLands broke his hand in September, many people speculated he wouldn’t be able to return until the season opener on Nov. 11 against Southeast Missouri State.

During Illini Media Day in October, Groce made it clear Coleman-Lands was exceeding recovery expectations.

“Great to hear from Schmidty, our trainer, that he’s going to be able to do some things this next week, which is a little bit earlier than we thought,” Groce said. “The prognosis is we ultimately get him full go a lot earlier than what we thought.”

The Illini got him back much sooner than

that.

Coleman-Lands played in Illinois’ fi rst exhibition game on Oct. 30 against Washington University. He played 22 minutes and recorded 11 points and four rebounds.

Despite being sidelined with his injury in early fall, Coleman-Lands still worked on his conditioning and strength with Fletcher. Coleman-Lands says that was vital to him because he could control his physicality even though he was injured. He believes that Fletcher’s impact translates to the game itself.

“That physical standpoint helps with that mentality, and I feel like that’s something he’s instilled in us,” Coleman-Lands said. “Not only just working out, but pushing yourself to your limit and pushing yourself to a certain standard where it translates to on the court and in the games.”

Fletcher joined Illinois’ staff in August of 2015. This was his first summer off-season with the Illini, and the results showed.

Fletcher posted players’ 8-10 month changes, and there were significant improvements in terms of strength.

In the near future, Schmidt and Fletcher might be in business with Coleman-Lands once his firm gets up and running.

gertsme2@dailyillini.com @MattGertsmeier

AD VANTAG E AD VANTAG E AD VANTAG E

MITCHELL FRANSEN THE DAILY ILLINI

PROPERTIES PROPERTIES PROPERTIES

Illinois’ Coleman-Lands hopes to start a medical firm.

Internet Included

217-344-0394 Furnished, Laundry In Apartment Internet Included 1,2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments advantageproperties.com 217-344-0394 Furnished, Laundry In Apartment Internet Included 1,2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments advantageproperties.com 217-344-0394 Furnished, Laundry In Apartment

Monday, November 7, 2016

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

6

Don’t miss your shot to lock in New Low Rates!

SPACES FILLING FAST GREAT LOCATION – WALK OR BIKE TO CLASS PRIVATE BEDROOMS & BATHROOMS FULLY FURNISHED WITH LEATHER-STYLE SECTIONAL SOFA AMENITIES FOR A FIT & HEALTHY LIFESTYLE ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED

Apply online today at

SUITES3RD.COM

Leasing Center: 302 E John St #100 Property: 707 S Third Street 217.367.0720 Rates/installments, renderings, amenities & utilities are subject to change. Rates/installments do not represent a monthly rental amount (and are not prorated), but rather the total base rent due for the lease term divided by the number of installments. Electricity included up to a monthly allowance. Limited time only.

Select floor plans only. See office for details.

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

Apply today for Fall 2017!

Save up to $300 WITH REDUCED FEES

Monday, November 7, 2016

7

NEW LOW RATES!

NEW LOW RATES STARTING @ $689 OR GET A $240 GIFT CARD!

NEWLY UPGRADED AMENITIES!

Apply online today at

AMERICANCAMPUS.COM Rates/installments, fees, renderings & amenities subject to change. Rates/installments do not represent a monthly rental amount (and are not prorated), but rather the total base rent due for the lease term divided by the number of installments. Special applies to first 24 leases. Select floor plans only. While supplies last.

Limited time only. See office for details.

Monday, November 7, 2016

THE DAILY ILLINI | WWW.DAILYILLINI.COM

8

Thorne embraces age with another year of eligibility Center enters sixth year of basketball; grateful for extra time

BY MATT GERTSMEIER ILLINI HOOPS COLUMNIST

Mike Thorne Jr. received a late birthday present this year.

The 6-foot-11 center celebrates his birthday on May 17, but on May 18, he received a gift that most people can’t get enough of — time.

In Thorne's case, it was extra time. He considers May 18 one of the greatest days of his life because he was granted one more year of eligibility.

Thorne spent four years at UNC Charlotte, playing three full seasons. He transferred to Illinois for his fifth year. After only seven games for the Illini, he tore his meniscus in his left knee and needed surgery.

After surgery, Thorne played 16 minutes against Indiana in January, putting up nine points while shooting about 17 percent from the field.

He sat the rest of the season.

“I really wanted to be out there with my teammates, but I shouldn’t have been out there trying to play,” Thorne said. “Luckily I got another year, thanks to the NCAA for seeing my situation and hearing my situation out so I’m just blessed to have another

chance.”

With this extra time Thorne has been granted, he realizes his unique situation.

Most college basketball players fi nish their senior season at 21 or 22 years of age. At 23 years old, Thorne is one of the oldest players in the Big Ten and college basketball.

Luckily for Thorne, he’s not alone. Entering his sixth year of eligibility, Thorne still isn’t the oldest player for Illinois. Guard Tracy Abrams has him beat by a year after missing the last two seasons due to injury and being granted one more year of eligibility.

Despite Abrams on the roster, it still doesn’t take away the fact Thorne feels like a grandpa.

“I defi nitely feel old,” Thorne said. “I’m like ‘man, I’m still in college?’ I guess God made it happen for a reason, but I feel like a grandpa. You got Te’Jon (Lucas), he’s 17, I’m 23 and Tracy’s (Abrams) 24, like wow, we are getting old.”

Thorne has certainly embraced his role as a “grandpa.” He’s even gone a step further and has started hanging out with grandpas.

Whenever he has some extra time on his hands, Thorne can be found a local ponds and lakes in the area fishing.

“My dad used to take me ever since I was two or three years old, so I’ve always had an attachment to it,” Thorne said. “Since the season started, (I’ve) been extra busy, so

(I haven’t gone) as much, but this summer I used to go about once a week. I used to go with (Michael) Finke’s grandpa.”

Thorne isn’t the only Illini who has embraced his role as one of the team’s elders.

His younger teammates have used him and Abrams to their advantage.

Sophomore Jalen Coleman-Lands has noticed this.

“It’s worked out to our benefit,” ColemanLands said. “Being that we do have older guys, they know the expectations, and they know the standards. That connection we have off the court will hopefully transpire on the court.”

In the end, only time will tell if Thorne is ready to go after taking more than a year off. In his eight games for Illinois last season, he averaged about 13 points and nine rebounds per game.

With his recovery time and off-season, Thorne has made strides to be even better.

His work in the weight room and gym has defi nitely seen results.

“I’ve never coached a guy that’s 6-foot-11, 290 and under 10 percent body fat,” head coach John Groce said. “He’s a specimen, and now he needs to learn how to use that at both ends of the floor.”

gertsme2@dailyillini.com @MattGertsmeier

MITCHELL FRANSEN THE DAILY ILLINI

Mike Thorne Jr. is in his sixth year of eligibility.

Information promotes discovery.

M - TH 4PM - 9PM FRI: 4PM - 10PM SAT: 11AM - 10PM SUN: 11AM - 9PM

Join a world-class community of scholars at one of the nation’s top professional schools. Conduct research with renowned faculty and customize your program according your research interests.

Here, you’ll discover success.

Apply by December 15

Full funding is available in the form of teaching and research assistantships and fellowships for admitted candidates who are in good academic standing.

Information sessions November 14 Online: 8:30-9:30 a.m.

On campus: 4:00-5:00 p.m.

go.ischool.illinois.edu/phd

THE DAILY ILLINI | WWW.DAILYILLINI.COM

Monday, November 7, 2016

9

Key games for this season’s nonconference Illini basketball

BY MATT GERTSMEIER ILLINI HOOPS COLUNIST

Head coach John Groce and Illinois had a rough go last season finishing 15-19. But, it’s a new year and it’s a time to be optimistic. That’s why I took the time to break down the nonconference games Illinois will be competing in this November and December.

The nonconference portion of this season should be a fun one to watch with some tough opponents. The Illini won’t have great TV exposure, but they will play in three NBA arenas before the conference season begins. Making predictions is somewhat tough this early on and with the lack of Vegas’ help with the spreads, but here is my take.

Illinois vs. Southeast Missouri State

Illinois vs. No. 20 West Virginia

Last year, Illinois lost its first official game of the season, which is why I am including this as a key game for 2016-2017. Sure, last season Illinois played its first four home games in Springfield, Illinois, and North Florida was a much tougher opponent than people anticipated, but losing the first game of the season is a rare sight for the Illini. It was the first time Illinois lost its home-opener since the 1998-1999 team lost to Wake Forest.

It’s time to begin a new streak. Southeast Missouri State shouldn’t give Illinois any issues seeing that the Redhawks finished last year with a record of 5-24. This will be a completely different game than North Florida which finished 22-12 and nearly made the NCAA tournament, but that doesn’t mean the Illini should take it lightly.

Illinois was invited to play in this year’s NIT Season Tip-Off. The field consists of Florida State, Temple and West Virginia. The Illini play West Virginia in the first game of the four-team tournament. This will be Groce’s first tough test of the season as many preseason rankings have West Virginia in the top-25. The Mountaineers played a tough schedule last season in the stacked Big-12 and finished the year 26-9. They qualified for the NCAA tournament and lost to Stephen F. Austin in the first round. Some players to watch out for in this game will be junior guards Jevon Carter and Daxter Miles Jr. This is a game where I will be interested to see how Tracy Abrams and Jalen Coleman-Lands matchup against the Mountineers’ back-court. While it’s hard to imagine an Illini win, this will be a fun game to watch as it will most likely be nationally televised on ESPN2 and is being hosted at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York — home of the Brooklyn Nets.

Nov. 11 State Farm Center Illinois Head-to-Head: 2-0

Nov. 24 Brooklyn, New York Illinois Head-to-Head: 3-1

Prediction: Illinois 84, Southeast Missouri State 52

Prediction: West Virginia 88, Illinois 72

Illinois vs. North Carolina State

Illinois vs. Virginia Commonwealth

In the 18th Big Ten-ACC Challenge, the Illini will host North Carolina State and try to do their share of contributing to the Big Ten’s win total. During last season’s challenge, Illinois lost by five to Notre Dame. At this point in the year, the Illini will have seven games under their belt. Whether they enter this game carrying a strong record or weak record, the Illini are due for a win. The last three years in the challenge Illinois has lost by single digits. In last year’s loss to the Fighting Irish, the Illini were led by the efforts of forward Malcolm Hill who finished the game with 19 points. I expect Hill to perform at that same level against the Wolfpack. Mix in the presence and skills of center Mike Thorne Jr., and I think the Illini have what it takes to pull off the upset and snap the three-year losing streak. Still, expect this to be a close game and battle until the end. The team is losing some players that played an important role last season — such as Anthony Barber and Caleb Martin. The Wolfpack do have a strong incoming freshman class, which includes the No. 7 best recruit in the class of 2016, Dennis Smith.

This is the first game in Illinois basketball program history against Virginia Commonwealth. The Rams are always a team to keep on your radar ever since their Final Four appearance in 2011. Since that season VCU hasn’t missed an NCAA Tournament. Even after the departure of former coach Shaka Smart, VCU managed a 25-11 season and lost to Oklahoma in the second round of the tournament under first-year head coach Will Wade. Much like the Illini, this VCU team is built with veterans — the Rams have six seniors on the roster. VCU will be returning three of last year’s top-six scorers. Much of this game will be determined by the upperclassmen. This could be a game where Illini look upon senior guard Jaylon Tate to step up depending on his team’s foul trouble. Last year, VCU averaged about 20-free throw attempts per game. This will also be an interesting game because both Illinois and VCU are leading the hunt for 2017 recruit Mayan Kiir. This early December game is also featured in the second annual Hoophall Miami Invitational hosted at American Airlines Arena — home of the Miami Heat. It’s a tough one to predict, but I think VCU has the early edge.

Nov. 29 State Farm Center Illinois Head-to-Head: 3-0

Prediction: Illinois 74, North Carolina State 70

Dec. 3 Miami Illinois Head-to-Head: 0-0

Prediction: Virginia Commonwealth 80, Illinois 72

Illinois vs. Missouri

Dec. 21 St. Louis Illinois Head to Head: 26-15 The classic bragging rights game. Illinois has dominated this series against the Tigers and I don’t expect anything different this year.

During Groce’s tenure the Illini have a record of 3-1 against Missouri. The last couple of seasons Missouri’s basketball program has struggled. The Tigers went 10-21 last year. Unfortunately for the Tigers, there are no signs of improvement. Missouri returns only two of their top five scorers from last year’s squad. The team only had one player averaging double figure points — Kevin Puryear averaged 11.5 points per game. The Tigers also aren’t adding an impressive recruiting class. Nonetheless, both Illinois and Missouri always seem to bring it when it comes to the bragging rights. I expect a close game and I expect to see a strong performance from redshirt sophomore forward Michael Finke. Last year against the Tigers, Finke’s play had a major impact on the outcome of the game putting up 16 points while shooting over 60 percent from the field.

Matt is a junior in Business. gertsme2@dailyillini.com Prediction: Illinois 63, Missouri 58 @MattGertsmeier

Monday, November 7, 2016

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

10

Preview

Illinois Head Coach: John Groce Record: 15-19 Postseason Finish : N/A Key Returners: Malcolm Hill, Maverick Morgan, Tracy Abrams Analysis: The Illini lost a big name in former Simeon star Kendrick Nunn, but they will look to replace his production with newcomers Te’Jon Lucas and Kipper Nichols. Both players will look to fill big roles on the Illini roster.

Michigan Head Coach: John Beilein Record: 23-13 Postseason finish: Lost in first round of the NCAA Key Returners: Zak Irvin, Duncan Robinson Analysis: Michigan is returning its starters from last season and could get out of the middle of the pack by playing well in the non-conference. A good start to the year would give the Wolverines big momentum heading into the Big Ten season.

Northwestern

Head coach: Chris Collins Record: 20-12 Postseason finish: N/A Key returners: Scottie Lindsey, Bryant McIntosh Analysis: The Wildcats had one of their better seasons to date last year. However, their 20 wins were not enough to get them a tournament bid in March. Northwestern hopes to reach the tournament for the first time in its history and Bryant McIntosh might help his team do it.

Indiana Head Coach: Tom Crean Record: 27-8 Postseason finish: Lost in the second round of the NCAA tournament Key returners: James Blackmon Jr., Thomas Bryant Analysis: The Hoosiers will be a contender for a high seed come tournament season this year. The question for many top programs this year, and the Hoosiers especially, is how much freshmen will contribute.

Michigan State

Iowa

Head Coach: Fran McCaffery Record: 22-11 Postseason Finish : Lost in the second round of NCAA tournament Key Returners: Peter Jok Analysis: Iowa made a run to the tournament last year and earned themselves an eight seed before losing in the second round to Gonzaga, who eventually made it to the elite eight. They are returning star guard Jok who should make a big impact.

Minnesota

Head coach: Tom Izzo Record: 29-6 Postseason finish: Lost in round of 64 Key returners: Eron Harris Analysis: After the biggest upset in last years NCAA tournament, Michigan State is coming into the season with a new look team. Gone are studs like Denzel Valentine, who went on to do bigger and better things in the NBA. Players like Miles Bridges and Joshua Langford will be huge.

Head coach: Richard Pitino Record: 8-23 Postseason finish: N/A Key Returners: Nate Mason, Jordan Murphy Analysis: The only thing good about the Gophers last season is that it can only get better. After being one of the worst teams in the conference, Pitino will need to produce wins if he wants to keep his job. He will luckily rely on older players.

Ohio State

Penn State

Head coach: Thad Matta Record: 21-14 Postseason finish: NIT second round loss Key returners: Jae’Sean Tate, Marc Loving Analysis: The Buckeyes are hopeful they can avoid remaining a middle-of-the-pack Big Ten team this season. Ohio State is returning its top six scorers from last season. Trevor Thompson will be the man in the middle for the Ohio State down low and will be a formidable challenge for opposing teams to handle the seven-footer.

Rutgers Head coach: Steve Pikiell Record: 7-25 Postseason finish: N/A Key returners: Corey Sanders, Deshawn Freeman Analysis: Rutgers’ abysmal season had several disappointments, but there was at least one bright spot for the team. Sanders will need some help and with a mediocre recruiting class incoming, expect the Scarlet Knights to remain in the basement.

Head coach: Patrick Chambers Record: 16-16 Postseason finish: N/A Key returners: Shep Garner, Josh Reaves Analysis: Coming off of a mediocre season, Penn State is looking to move up in the Big Ten standings. The team will look to Shep Garner who was the workhorse of the team last season clocking in 35 minutes a game last season. After losing Brandon Taylor, other teams on the young squad will have to step up.

Maryland

Head coach: Mark Turgeon Record: 27-9 Postseason finish: Lost in Sweet Sixteen Key returners: Melo Trimble, Damonte Dodd Analysis: The Terps are looking to build off of a strong campaign from last season.

Melo Trimble is back for his junior season and will be on the Naismith Watch List.

Trimble led the Terps last season averaging 14.8 points to go along with five assists.

Nebraska Head coach: Tim Miles Record: 16-18 Postseason finish: N/A Key returners: Tai Webster, Michael Jacobson Analysis: The Big Ten can be hard to make a splash in. With team perennial favorites like Wisconsin and Michigan State, moving up can be hard. The Huskers will have to look for improvements from returning players such as Webster.

Purdue Head coach: Matt Painter Record: 26-9 Postseason finish: Lost in first round of NCAA Tournament Key Returners: Isaac Haas, Dakota Mathias Analysis: Purdue had a disappointing ending to its season last year after being upset in their first game of the NCAA Tournament by Arkansas Little Rock in double overtime. Head coach Matt Painter should expect his squad to be highly seeded .

Wisconsin Head coach: Greg Gard Record: 22-13 Postseason finish: Lost in Sweet 16 Key returners: Bronson Koenig, Nigel Hayes, Ethan Happ Analysis: Wisconsin returns all five starters with a bench made up of considerable impact players. Hayes, Koeing and Happ started every game last season. Hayes averaged 15.7 points, 3.0 assists and 5.8 rebounds per game.

THE DAILY ILLINI | WWW.DAILYILLINI.COM

Monday, November 7, 2016

11

Hill wants to leave a legacy

Leader of Illinois basketball team ready to prove the results of his grueling offseason practices, improved physique

BY LUCAS WRIGHT STAFF WRITER

He’s already 27th on Illinois basketball’s all-time scoring list, and a repeat of last season’s 600-plus point performance could cement him in the top-five all time.

It’s safe to say Malcolm Hill is the leader of this Illini team, but his senior season will determine what his legacy will be.

“Malcolm’s been through a lot and he’s kind of seen it all, and he’s at the point now where he wants to do something special as a team,” head coach John Groce said.

“He’s done a lot of individual things, and we talked a lot about legacy, and I think those things matter to him.”

Hill has definitely been taking the right steps toward having a special senior season, centering on an outrageous offseason workout program with strength and conditioning coach Adam Fletcher.

Over the course of the offseason, Hill added five inches to his vertical jump, 60 pounds to his bench press and over 120 pounds to his squat.

Hill’s improved physique flashed to the public in May when he broke a backboard in practice.

He then put his hops on display in the

MITCHELL FRANSEN THE DAILY ILLINI

Malcolm Hill is poised for a successful season. He added five inches to his vertical jump during the offseason.

first exhibition game of the year with a dunk against Washington University that resulted in a technical foul for swinging on the rim.

The foundation for his final season is there, having built his body up to a point it has never been at before, and Groce said he has honed in on a few skills this season too.

“We really worked on shot prep for him, catch and shot, and we worked on athleticism,” Groce said. “To say he took those things to another level would be an understatement. “ While Hill is in top shape and poised to build on his already historic Illini career, this year’s outcome will rest heavily on his supporting cast.

In the 2015-16 season Hill relied heavily on teammate Kendrick Nunn to help him in the scoring department. The two combined for just under 50 percent of the team’s points last season.

Without Nunn this season, the pressure would seem to be on Hill, but his teammates are also ready to take on more offensive responsibility.

A healthy Mike Thorne Jr. and improved play from Maverick Morgan have bolstered the Illini attack in the paint, and coupled with Leron Black and Michael Finke, this will give Hill the ability to play more on the perimeter, as opposed to playing the post like most of last season “I think we have the pieces to be a really good basketball team,” Hill said.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a relief, but I think it’s pretty cool I can play my natural position now.”

On a team loaded with six seniors and graduate students, the experience is there for the Illini to make a strong showing in the Big Ten season.

But for Hill and Illinois, the next step is performing to expectations and making the NCAA tournament, which the Illini haven’t made since the 2012-13 season.

Hill hasn’t experienced a postseason tournament besides the NIT in his time at Illinois.

For Hill, this is his last shot at securing a legacy for himself at Illinois.

“This goes back to my childhood,” Hill said. “I just want to be remembered for something. For a kid like me, I wasn’t always good at basketball. People didn’t really, you know, respect me as much as a basketball player, or as much as a person either when I was really young.

Just being remembered for the things we can accomplish here as a team and individually; I’d love that to be part of my legacy.” lswrigh2@dailyillini.com @LucasWright95

Excitement!

Join the Sodexo team and work the 2016-17 Fighting Illini Basketball season.

Concessions and Catering Positions Available.

Email martee.fischman@sodexo.com 217-300-4082

Monday, November 7, 2016

12

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com