Big Ten Tournament preview and projections

A lackluster finish has the Illini teetering on the verge of a dreaded call from the NIT. Illinois lost five of its last six games, though its competition was fierce during that stretch. That's the only reason why Illinois is still in the conversation. Still, with a 6-6 finishing record and a 5-11 mark against the top 100 teams in RPI, at least one win in Indianapolis is a must. Illinois is led by All-Big Ten point guard Demetri McCamey, who had the second best assist rate of any player in the nation. Big Ten Freshman of the Year D.J. Richardson emerged as a home run threat out of the backcourt.

basketballprospectus.com