Talks about player improvements in skills and strength. Have had 16 workouts since the spring. Usage of the summer has prepared them.

— Brad Sturdy (@Sturdy32) October 10, 2012

#illini Groce: players' "attitude and effort has been off the charts." Along with s seniors, Tracy Abrams has steped up as leader

— Jeremy Werner (@WernerESPNCU) October 10, 2012

#illini Groce: have to replace Leonard "by committee." McLaurin playing best bball now, feeling more comfortable here. Is a versatile 4/5

— Jeremy Werner (@WernerESPNCU) October 10, 2012

Groce says his biggest concern for the #Illini basketball team is ball handling.

— Matt Loveless (@MattLoveless) October 10, 2012

Need multiple ball handlers...that's the biggest issue. May not be able to play as fast right now due to lack of ball handlers

— Brad Sturdy (@Sturdy32) October 10, 2012

#illini Groce: inexperienced up front but "have bodies," big concern is lack of ballhandlers, may not be able to play as fast as he wants

— Jeremy Werner (@WernerESPNCU) October 10, 2012

Singled out nnanna egwu as going above and beyond. Hope that he gets to experience the dividends.

— Brad Sturdy (@Sturdy32) October 10, 2012

#illini Groce on Egwu: not old fashioned big man. Will be moved around. Ran a 5:20 mile and hit 70+/100 3's.

— Max Tane (@AirMaxTane) October 10, 2012

Likes to play 9 but has played 10 or 7 before. Wants to put best team out there. Players play players. Chart everything. Constant feedback.

— Brad Sturdy (@Sturdy32) October 10, 2012

#illini Groce: Abrams not only ballhandler. B. Paul had best ballhandling practice recently. Whole team has to improve ballhandling

— Jeremy Werner (@WernerESPNCU) October 10, 2012

Says langford needs consistency with his motor. Makes wow plays and then disappears. Bertrand fits in uptempo style. Has to value the ball.

— Brad Sturdy (@Sturdy32) October 10, 2012

#illini Groce on Myke Henry: preaching consistency, "wired to score," needs to put focus on defensive end. "Excuse of being young is gone"

— Jeremy Werner (@WernerESPNCU) October 10, 2012

Says sam mclaurin has gained repect of teammates because he is a matto guy. Have to rebound to run and get out in transition.

— Brad Sturdy (@Sturdy32) October 10, 2012