Where the Illini thought they could find the sort of depth to make them a stronger team was in their highly-touted incoming recruiting class. Illinois' 2011 class was ranked No. 11 in the country and included four of ESPN's top-100 players. There weren't any considered to be instant superstars in the class, but the thought was most of them could contribute something this season.

Through 23 games, that hasn't been the case. As the season has unfolded, Illinois coach Bruce Weber has gone more and more away from playing most of his freshmen. Only Tracy Abrams has seen consistent minutes in every Big Ten game, and none of the freshmen are averaging more than three points on the season.

Scott Powers