8 things I learned at Illini hoops practice

1. I asked a half-dozen observers for their pick as the most impressive newcomer. While nobody limited themselves to one pick, the one name that came up every time was 6-foot-10 center/forward Nnanna Egwu.

It's easy to see what's to like about Egwu: He's as quick and as rangy as James Augustine. Remember how Illinois used to trap opposing guards at the top of the key with Augustine? Egwu can and will do the same thing.

Willhite