Can last season's letdowns turn it around?

Illinois: Let's not put too fine a point on it: The 2010-11 Fighting Illini were downright weird. They looked great on paper. They were efficient enough, finishing No. 18 in Ken Pomeroy's adjusted efficiency rankings. They had a near-ideal mix of seniors -- including at the most important position, point guard -- and talented young players, including highly touted freshman swingman Jereme Richmond. So why did Bruce Weber find himself benching his starters (including Demetri McCamey) in key games down the stretch? Why did this team limp to a 20-14 finish? Why were they so thoroughly mediocre, only rarely (like in a dominating tourney win over UNLV) putting it all together?

Eamonn Brennan