With conference play tipping off tonight, beat writer SCOTT RICHEY breaks down all 14 league teams ...
ILLINOIS (2-5)
The Illini's best player so far is ... Trent Frazier. There's a reason he's had the ball in his hands with a chance to win the game against Gonzaga and Notre Dame. Brad Underwood has nothing but trust in his scoring, assists and steals leader.
Illinois probably picked the wrong season to load up on its nonconference schedule (next up: Notre Dame on Tuesday). Still, Scott Richey likes the approach and explains why in his weekly podcast, Inside Illini Basketball.