This game underscored for all of us faithful devotees just about every reason we have to be optimistic about this Illini squad

DMac is clearly point number one. While Evan Turner and Kalin Lucas are bigger names in the Big Ten, they simply don't carry the level of responsibility for their teams that Demetri does. Look at Turner's and Lucas' supporting casts, especially with respect to offensive capability - neither of them have to so often make miracles out of nothing as DMac. When we play tough opponents, it's like our boy is trying to make Christmas dinner out of a few salt packets and a box of old macaroni. The reason McCamey "dribbles so much", as many a simpleton will claim, is because there are no other Illini who are, at this point, effective with the ball off the dribble. When DMac runs the motion from the top of the key, it's often just a matter of the other players shuffling around until circumstances are suitable for him to actually *do* something worthwhile. The level of ingenuity he is often forced to produce is utterly impressive, and because he is a skilled passer (both in terms of technique and vision), he gets his teammates involved, even though it's often really just a soloist act.

OrangeNBrood