Addition by subtraction

Citing the welcome absence of cliques and an apparently flawed communication system that failed to connect seniors with underclassmen, players sounded almost relieved to be unburdened of the presence of players who graduated or left under trying circumstances.

Combine that with the bonding that naturally occurs when a group of people mutually experience difficult times, and the upcoming Illini basketball team clearly senses a greater degree of togetherness.

Tupper

Legion is the team's best midrange shooter, not because he has better accuracy than Trent Meacham but because he is so adept at positioning for his high-extension release. He and Smith would have been an outstanding 1-2 punch if Smith had met his probation requirements. When Smith was banished, Illinois tumbled in preseason evaluations from fifth in the Big Ten - behind Purdue, Michigan State, Wisconsin and Ohio State - to the second division.

Tate

Weber's starting lineup, if everyone was healthy and the regular season opener was today: Frazier, Demetri McCamey, Trent Meacham and Mike Tisdale.

"The 4-man, I think it's up in the air," Weber said.

Klee