ESPN's Team of the Week: Illinois

If you were like me, you had some doubt about the Illini, even after they won the Maui Invitational with wins over USC, Chaminade and Butler. But they are no joke. This team is for real. Illinois is a bit challenged in the paint, but the trio of Paul, D.J. Richardson and Tracy Abrams is as good a perimeter as any in the country. The Big Ten could end up being the toughest, deepest conference in the country, and part of that is the development of teams like Illinois and Minnesota.

Bruce Weber left talent, but John Groce has provided the right voice, spark and energy. Illinois showed great resolve in handling the adverse situation of The Kennel. This win can give the Illini the confidence to go into any road venue in the Big Ten and compete.

If there is room on the bandwagon bus, I want a seat. I'm in.

Andy Katz