Illinois has played against big frontcourts this season. Hawaii and USC were big. Gonzaga's is big, deep and really good. Elias Harris has been on NBA radars since he torched Illinois at the United Center three years ago. Olynyk, Dower and Karnowski will play for money one day. The Illini, who have struggled on the interior at both ends this season, will have to step it up today. "When you look at the minutes played by their 4 and 5s, the depth of those guys and what they bring to the game in the post and on the glass, defensively, affecting shots, it's certainly the best we've played to this point," Illinois coach John Groce said.

Marcus Jackson