The Illini decided to go young, and these first-year Illini have flashed plenty of potential. If they can keep everyone healthy, they're good enough to be quite the presence in March.
The experienced team that Illinois took to the Elite Eight last season after winning the Big Ten Tournament title needed to be replaced after most of the key players turned pro and scattered about.Coach Brad Underwood decided to go young, and these first-year Illini have flashed plenty of potential. If they can keep everyone healthy down the stretch, they're good enough despite their age to be quite the presence in March.
The native of Lithuania is likely bound for the NBA next season.Riley, a Canadian who was the highest-ranked incoming freshman Illinois has had since the recruiting services began grading them online, is a 6-foot-8 matchup nightmare for most wings in the league.Then there's the 7-foot-1 Ivisic, from Croatia, whose eligibility review by the NCAA resulted in him being classified as a sophomore. With his size and skill, he likely won't stay in school long enough for that to matter anyway.
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