CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Before Illinois takes the floor for the first time against Illinois Wesleyan Friday night, make sure you have a lineup card with you.
After a major amount of roster turnover this past offseason, the Illini return just four players from last year’s team and usher in eight newcomers, six of whom are freshmen.
But — despite all the new faces — the upperclassmen say this team is poised for a strong start.
“This class of freshmen compared to last year has adjusted to the learning curve at a much higher speed,” said junior forward Kipper Nichols.