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The University of Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball team will start out the year ranked No. 23. They had a great year last year, but just couldn't end the year the way they wanted to, losing their last two games to Purdue and Western Kentucky.
They lost eight out of their 10 losses by 10 points or less last year. So they just needed that extra step.
Considering they lost Chester Frazier and Trent Meachem to graduation, I don't think that really helped, but they picked up D.J. Richardson, Brandon Paul, and Tyler Griffey from recruiting. All great, young athletes.
The Illini needed to work on their ball-handling last year. Again with Chester Frazier gone, That aspect of the team's game won't be helped.
Demetri McCamey is a great player but needs to work on his shot selection, and again, ball handling. McCamey almost reminds me of a Ben Gordon. Gordon just throws up terrible shots pretty often. Same thing with McCamey. If McCamey works on taking good shots, he could be the best player on the team.
My question though is are they for real this year or will they be a fluke?
They are a great team, but I am not sure if they can step up to what they are expected to do this year.
Jeff Jordan did officially rejoin the team, so he will be a great help—almost like a twin of Chester Frazier. I hope the Illini do great this year. I hope they overshoot their expectations.
Don't get me wrong, the Illini are an amazing team. But I'm wondering if they might be flukes.
Right now, I personally don't think so. But who knows?
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