Illini basketball remains mystery

We have an unresolved mystery at Illinois. On this Illini squad, which features one senior, Bradley transfer Sam Maniscalco, and six promising freshmen, it isn't clear who'll step up when the corn is popping. Who'll accept the challenge when everyone else falters? Is there a star ready to be born?

"Brandon Paul," says assistant coach Jerrance Howard. "He can be the star. And Maniscalco is the glue to hold us together. If you're looking for someone to come flying in out of the blue, I'd say one of the freshmen, Nnanna Egwu or Tracy Abrams. Tracy is a battler."

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