Demetri McCamey

As he addressed media in Saturday's news conference, Bill Self talked at length about Illini point guard Demetri McCamey. Self also was aware of a notable stat: Illinois is 15-0 when McCamey has at least seven assists. "It's an amazing stat," Self said. "You get seven assists and you're undefeated." Kansas' focus today is clear: take McCamey out of the equation and Illinois can't win. Forward Thomas Robinson was asked to finish this: "Kansas will win if you..." Robinson's answer: "Stop McCamey." While the attention of this game is on the coaches on the sideline, there is a dynamite matchup on the court: McCamey vs. Tyshawn Taylor. Look for the freaky-athletic Taylor to draw the defensive assignment on McCamey. Outside Ohio State's Aaron Craft, McCamey hasn't faced a defender this season as gifted as Taylor. "He's fast. He's quick," said Southern Illinois coach Chris Lowery, who coached Taylor with USA Basketball. "He's an unbelievable athlete." Today's game is also the latest opportunity for McCamey to leave an impression on NBA scouts. Bruce Weber said Illini great Deron Williams was a mid- to late-round pick before the 2005 NCAA tournament, but his performance in leading Illinois to the Final Four vaulted him up draft boards and into the lottery. A strong performance against a gifted Kansas backcourt certainly would turn heads.

Klee