Illinois (22-13, 12-8 Big Ten)

Coach Brad Underwood made news by bringing in highly touted players from overseas, but most likely it will be the returnees who will determine if the No. 17 Illini have another successful season. Point guard Kylan Boswell from Champaign and Tomislav Ivisic are back, along with sharpshooters Jake Davis and Ben Humrichous, who have been given bigger roles this season. The four accumulated 45% of the Illini’s minutes, 41% of the team’s points and 43% of its rebounds last year. Their experience is needed to help the new Illinois players get acclimated to Underwood’s systems and his tough love approach to coaching.

Players to watch

Boswell, who is one of the Big Ten’s best on-ball defenders, came on strong at the end of last season, averaging nearly 17 points p

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