Husker Extra's Brian Rosenthal will take a quick look at the Big Ten leading into the start of the season. Today, a peek at Illinois.
Coach: John Groce (fourth season, 62-42)
Last year: 19-14 (9-9, T7th)
Postseason: NIT first round
Top returner: Junior guard Malcolm Hill averaged 14.4 points and 4.8 rebounds, and he’s the top returning player in both categories.
Newcomer to watch: Mike Thorne, a 6-foot-11, 280-pound fifth-year transfer from Charlotte, will start at center in place of the departed Nnanna Egwu.