I know that most game previews usually feature at least an attempt at lip service towards the opponent. But frankly today, I do not know one thing about Presbyterian, nor do I wish to spend the time looking up who the skilled players are on their team, or what offense or defense they run. If this were say Syracuse, I would do that, but I am being honest here when I say that I don't imagine it would matter one bit what offense the Blue Hose run, I do not think they will win this game. But that's the way these games go. There is still plenty to say about the Illini however.

One thing I am very interested in is going to be how the return of eligibility for Jeff Jordan is going to affect the guard rotation. When he is in the game I assume he is going to be the primary ball handler, and will be used mostly to spell Demetri. I assume this means the instances where D.J. Richardson is in charge on the floor. Bruce has mentioned that DJ has lost some his confidence in ball handling, so I wonder if Bruce is going to have him play through it or take the pressure off by moving the duties to Jeff.

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Another question for me would be whether or not Mike Tisdale breaks out this game like we assumed he would before now. He needs to get the ball down low, and when he does he needs to make the most of it, and more than anything get some more rebounds. With Davis seemingly already in mid season form,  we need Tis to get caught up, especially before next week's Las Vegas Invitational.

And lastly, can Brandon Paul keep this up? Two straight 20 point games are nice, but we saw in the second half against NIU that he can go cold too. I am of the opinion, that if he can keep this up, the Illini will be scary this year. With a scoring threat like Paul, the team will have a chance against just about anyone. If the team can play the tough team defense that we did last year, and combine it with the scoring with this year, watch out. Even in the tough Big Ten we can be a real force.

Doesn't it feel good to be talking about basketball again? Game time is 7pm on Saturday and can be seen on the Big Ten Network