The Daily Illini: Basketball Showcase 2014

THE DAILY ILLINI

BASKETBALL SHOWCASE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014

WITH ABRAMS OUT, EGWU MUST LEAD Senior doesn’t want to leave any regrets behind following his final season

PAGE 6

CHAMPAIGN-PRODUCT

FINKE

JOINS THE ILLINI The freshman isn’t moving far from home

PAGE 11

COSBY

HIGHLIGHTS NEWCOMERS Transfer guard expects to contribute after year on bench

PAGE 5

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

2

If Illini reach potential, they will have a tournament team ALEX ROUX Basketball columnist

L

107.1

WPGU

LISTEN LIVE 24/7 ·WPGU.COM·

ast season, Illinois basketball was defined by a series of “ifs”.

The 2013-14 Illini had nine newcomers on its roster, and head coach John Groce had to throw his unbalanced roster together and do what he could to help them succeed. After suffering an eight-game losing streak in Big Ten play, the Illini almost pulled off a miraculous run right into the NCAA tournament.

Here’s where the “ifs” come into play.

If current point guard Ahmad Starks had gotten his hardship waiver approved by the NCAA prior to last season, he might have been enough of a difference-maker to propel the Illini to a tournament berth. But he didn’t.

If Groce had inserted then-freshmen Malcolm Hill and Kendrick Nunn into the starting lineup in place of Joe Bertrand and Jon Ekey sooner, maybe the Illini could have snapped their losing skid before it reached eight. But he didn’t.

If Tracy Abrams had knocked down that buzzer-beating floater against Michigan in the Big Ten Tournament, maybe the Illini would have received an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament. But he didn’t.

Still, I have some fond memories of last season.

The UNLV game stands out, when Rayvonte Rice officially arrived on the scene, dropping 25 points and racking up 10 boards.

The Braggin’ Rights game against Missouri was an all-time classic, when Abrams personally buried the Tigers with two free throws.

The Indiana game on New Year’s Eve was the most electric home win of the season, and late-season wins at Michigan State and Iowa breathed life back into the season.

However, history will likely look back at last season as a bump in the road for the John Groce era at Illinois. It will hopefully be the last time for a long time that Illinois falls short of the Big Dance.

As the attention turns to the 2014-15 Illini, the upcoming season becomes not a series of “ifs”, but a season of “wills”.

Will the Illini be able to effectively shoot the ball from the outside? Another solid season defensively is likely in the cards, and we already know guys like Rayvonte Rice and Malcolm Hill can attack the basket. The biggest question mark will be if shooters like Starks and transfer Aaron Cosby can knock down outside shots at a high enough clip to allow lanes to open up

2014-15 SCHEDULE NOV 7

7 P.M.

VS. QUINCY (EXHIBITION) | STATE FARM CENTER

NOV 14

8 P.M.

VS. GEORGIA SOUTHERN | STATE FARM CENTER

NOV 16

5 P.M.

VS. COPPIN STATE | STATE FARM CENTER

NOV 21

7 P.M.

VS. AUSTIN PEAY | STATE FARM CENTER

NOV 24

7 P.M.

VS. BROWN | STATE FARM CENTER

NOV 27

4 P.M.

VS. INDIANA STATE | LAS VEGAS, NEV.

NOV 28

TBA

VS. BAYLOR OR MEMPHIS | LAS VEGAS, NEV.

DEC 2

8 P.M.

AT MIAMI | MIAMI, FLA.

DEC 6

1 P.M.

VS. AMERICAN | STATE FARM CENTER

DEC 9

6 P.M.

VS. VILLANOVA | NEW YORK, N.Y.

DEC 13

6 P.M.

VS. OREGON | CHICAGO, ILL.

DEC 17

6 P.M.

VS. HAMPTION | STATE FARM CENTER

DEC 20

1 P.M.

VS. MISSORI | ST. LOUIS, MO.

DEC 27

TBA

VS. KENNESAW STATE | STATE FARM CENTER

DEC 30

2 P.M.

AT MICHIGAN | ANN ARBOR, MICH.

JAN 3

TBA

AT OHIO STATE | COLUMBUS, OHIO

JAN 7

8 P.M.

VS. MARYLAND | STATE FARM CENTER

JAN 11

7:30 P.M.

AT NEBRASKA | LINCOLN, NEB.

JAN 14

8 P.M.

AT NORTHWESTERN | EVANSTON, ILL.

JAN 18

12 P.M.

VS. INDIANA | STATE FARM CENTER

JAN 21

8 P.M.

VS. PURDUE | STATE FARM CENTER

JAN 24

1:15 P.M.

AT MINNESOTA | MINNEAPOLIS, MINN.

JAN 31

12 P.M.

VS. PENN STATE | STATE FARM CENTER

FEB 3

8:30 P.M.

VS. RUTGERS | STATE FARM CENTER

FEB 7

11 A.M.

AT MICHIGAN STATE | EAST LANSING, MICH.

FEB 12

8 P.M.

VS. MICHIGAN | STATE FARM CENTER

FEB 15

12 P.M.

AT WISCONSIN | MADISON, WIS.

FEB 22

6:30 P.M.

VS. MICHIGAN STATE | STATE FARM CENTER

FEB 25

8 P.M.

AT IOWA | IOWA CITY, IOWA

FEB 28

6 P.M.

VS. NORTHWESTERN | STATE FARM CENTER

MAR 4

9 P.M.

VS. NEBRASKA | STATE FARM CENTER

MAR 7

3:30 P.M.

AT PURDUE | WEST LAFAYETTE, IND.

MAR 11

TBA

BIG TEN TOURNAMENT BEGINS | CHICAGO, ILL

MAR 17

TBA

NCAA TOURNAMENT BEGINS | DAYTON, OHIO

DAILY ILLINI FILE PHOTO

Under head coach John Groce’s leadership, the Illini have experienced January slumps with few wins. If the Illini reach their potential this season, they should be in the Big Dance.

for the offense.

Will Kendrick Nunn stay healthy, and will he and Malcolm Hill make a significant sophomore leap? Nunn’s knee limited his athleticism last year, according to Groce, and he was held out of the “Illini All In” scrimmage as a precaution. If he’s healthy, many expect him and Hill to build on strong finishes from last season and potentially have breakout years. Hill showed serious potential in the scrimmage, but we’ll have to wait and see on Nunn.

Will the Illini avoid the “January slump” that has plagued Groce’s first two seasons in Champaign? Illinois has a combined 3-12 record in January since Groce took over, and they can’t afford another winter swoon if they want to finish in the top half of the Big Ten this season. Consistency held the Illini back in Groce’s first season, and a lack of talent caused the skid last year. They appear to have more than enough talent to be a tournament team this year, but the Illini will have to find some consistency to achieve the results they look to be capable of.

If the Illini can execute in those three areas, they will make the NCAA tournament this season.

Alex is a junior in AHS. He can be reached at roux2@dailyillini.com and @aroux94.

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

3

2014-15 ROSTER

PORTRAITS BY FOLAKE OSIBODU AND BRENTON TSE THE DAILY ILLINI

1 JAYLON TATE

13 TRACY ABRAMS

31 AUSTIN COLBERT

YEAR: Sophomore POSITION: Guard HOMETOWN: Chicago LAST SCHOOL: Simeon HEIGHT: 6-foot-3 WEIGHT: 170

YEAR: Senior (Medical redshirt) POSITION: Guard HOMETOWN: Chicago LAST SCHOOL: Mount Carmel HEIGHT: 6-foot-2 WEIGHT: 185

YEAR: Sophomore POSITION: Forward HOMETOWN: Chesapeake, Va. LAST SCHOOL: Gill St. Bernard’s (N.J.) HEIGHT: 6-foot-9 WEIGHT: 210

3 AHMAD STARKS

21 MALCOLM HILL

32 NNANNA EGWU

YEAR: Senior POSITION: Guard HOMETOWN: Chicago LAST SCHOOL: Oregon State HEIGHT: 5-foot-9 WEIGHT: 170

YEAR: Sophomore POSITION: Guard HOMETOWN: Fairview Heights, Ill. LAST SCHOOL: Belleville East HEIGHT: 6-foot-6 WEIGHT: 230

YEAR: Senior POSITION: Forward/Center HOMETOWN: Chicago LAST SCHOOL: Saint Ignatius HEIGHT: 6-foot-11 WEIGHT: 250

10 MIKE LATULIP

22 MAVERICK MORGAN

43 MICHAEL FINKE

YEAR: Junior POSITION: Guard HOMETOWN: Arlington Heights, Ill. LAST SCHOOL: Prospect HEIGHT: 6-foot-1 WEIGHT: 170

YEAR: Sophomore POSITION: Guard HOMETOWN: Springboro, Ohio LAST SCHOOL: Springboro HEIGHT: 6-foot-10

YEAR: Freshman POSITION: Forward HOMETOWN: Champaign LAST SCHOOL: Centennial HEIGHT: 6-foot-10 WEIGHT: 220

11 AARON COSBY

24 RAYVONTE RICE

44 ALEX AUSTIN

YEAR: Junior POSITION: Guard HOMETOWN: Louisville, Ky. LAST SCHOOL: Seton Hall HEIGHT: 6-foot-3 WEIGHT: 205

YEAR: Senior POSITION: Guard HOMETOWN: Champaign, Ill. LAST SCHOOL: Centennial HEIGHT: 6-foot-4 WEIGHT: 230

YEAR: Junior POSITION: Guard HOMETOWN: Chicago LAST SCHOOL: Mount Carmel HEIGHT: 6-foot-4 WEIGHT: 185

12 LERON BLACK

25 KENDRICK NUNN

45 CAMERON LISS

YEAR: Freshman POSITION: Forward HOMETOWN: Memphis, Tenn.

LAST SCHOOL: White Station HEIGHT: 6-foot-7 WEIGHT: 220

YEAR: Sophomore POSITION: Guard HOMETOWN: Chicago, Ill. LAST SCHOOL: Simeon HEIGHT: 6-foot-3 WEIGHT: 190

YEAR: Freshman POSITION: Forward HOMETOWN: Northbrook, Ill. LAST SCHOOL: Glenbrook North HEIGHT: 6-foot-6 WEIGHT: 200

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

44

After ACL tear, Abrams adjusting to the bench Abrams to take advantage of time off to rebuild skills

Mike Mullins wasn’t expecting a call from Abrams but when he picked up the phone, he could tell by the tone of Abrams’ voice that something serious had happened.

“He was pretty sure he

BY NICHOLAS FORTIN did somethi ng substa ntia l STAFF WRITER to it,” Mullins said. “He was At first, Tracy Abrams didn’t understandably upset.” think the injury was that bad.

Mullins, who coached Abrams He was in shock and a few and fellow Illinois players Joseph seconds later he felt the pain.

Bertrand and Nnanna Egwu on “I knew something was wrong,” the Illinois Wolves AAU team, Abrams said. tried to comfort Abrams over the As he lay on the court near phone.

“Tracy’s an extremely tough one of the baskets at Ubben Basketball complex with pain and resilient young man,” Mullins shooting through his right knee, said. “You have to be. To come from where he’s come from and his thoughts turned to God. “My first thought was that God get to where he’s been as a person, has a plan for me,” Abrams said. as a student and as a basketball “Basically it’s crazy because I player. I just tried to remind him instantly thought about that. of that. That God has a plan for “I just know that God has a plan him, but we don’t know what it for me. I’ll be better then ever is yet. when I come back, so that’s my “(I told him that) he would mindset. I get to recover and this work on my game was just another and focus on a obstacle placed in his way that he lot of stuff that I couldn’t focus on.” could and would A bra ms wa s overcome.” being guarded by Mullins thought Ahmad Starks in Abrams sounded a two-on-two drill devastated over when it happened. the phone.

While posting up After hearing Starks, he turned about the injury, and put up a floater Abrams’ Mount that felt normal.

C a r mel H igh Then he came School coach down.

Michael Flaherty A bra ms wa s a lso re ached rushed to the out to show his support. tra i ni ng room.

He relayed a W hi le being similar message ex a m i n e d , he as Sales and reached out to friends and family Mullins: “Hang in there.” for the first time.

First, he talked MIKE MULLINS While Abrams ABRAMS’ FORMER AAU was emotional at to his parents. the time of the Abrams mother, Felicia Sales, tried injury — calling to comfort her son. it one of the worst “The first thing my mom said days of his life — Flaherty said was that I would be alright,” Abrams’ toughness was key in Abrams said. “It was real good dealing with the initial emotional to hear her say that right off the impact of the injury.

“He’s a tough kid,” Flaherty bat.”

After talking to his parents, said. “He doesn’t need to lean on Tracy called his former AAU anybody. He’s aware of what’s in coach. front of him and he’s tough enough

“Tracy’s an extremely tough and resilient young man. You have to be. To come from where he’s come from and get to where he’s been as a person, as a student and as a basketball player.”

that he’ll find a way to make it into a success.”

While in the training room, Abrams realized it was bad.

An MRI an hour later revealed the worst. Abrams would miss the season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

Abrams had surgery to repair the ligament on Oct. 22.

About a month removed from the injury, Abrams had come to grips with what had happened.

Dressed in the same orange uniform and Nike basketball shoes as every other member of the Illini at the team’s media day, Abrams looked as if nothing had happened to his knee.

Abrams appeared, from afar, to be as ready to go as the other Illini in uniform until his shoes came into view. Although he looked the part from shoulders to knees, he hadn’t tied his shoes.

Abrams won’t play for the Illini this season, but he will add things from the sideline that he wouldn’t have been able to add on the floor.

Abrams will act like another assistant coach.

“I’m just going to be there to encourage those guys,” Abrams said. “I’m not trying to be there to tell anybody what to do or how to play. I want to give guys their space.”

Egwu e cho e d A bra ms’ statement, saying that he will add a different view now that he’s off the court.

“When he was on the court, he told us stuff that he saw on the court,” Egwu said. “Now he’s off the court, so now he’s seeing a lot of different things from a lot of different perspectives. We’re learning from that angle, so it’s good for us.”

With his year off, Abrams hopes to break down his ball handling and shooting before building each aspect from the ground up. He said he wants to make the most of his time off the court.

“I’m just here to learn as much as I can learn,” he said. “And not just sit there and not take advantage of the opportunity that I have.”

On the court Abrams leaves a void. Not only will Illinois miss

BRENTON TSE THE DAILY ILLINI

Illinois’ Tracy Abrams attempts a layup during the first round game of the Big Ten Tournament against Indiana on Mar. 13. Following an ACL tear, Abrams will spend this season on the bench. his career-best 10.7 points per game from last season, but the Illini will also miss his voice.

For Starks, who will more than likely start at point guard, Abrams’ injury was an unwelcomed shock.

“Tracy’s been one of my main supporters since I’ve been here,” Starks said. “He’s been helping me along from day one. Whether some people think, ‘Oh, we’re competing against each other and everything,’ Tracy’s been the main one getting me adjusted to the system and helping me through the whole process.”

Although Abrams won’t play for the Illini this season, the team refused to say the phrase “without Tracy.” Even without him on the floor, Abrams is still a big part of this year’s Illini.

“I still gotta be vocal,” Abrams said. “I’ve still gotta be helpful. I just gotta remember that I’m still a part of this team. Just because I’m not playing doesn’t mean I’m not a part of this team.”

Nicholas is a junior in Media.

He can be reached at fortin2@ dailyillini.com and on Twitter @IlliniSportsGuy.

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

5

Cosby returns to the court Transfer ready to boost offense after sitout year

BY NICHOLAS FORTIN STAFF WRITER

Aaron Cosby has always been a stellar shooter.

But when Cosby arrived at Illinois, there was something that may have stood out to head coach John Groce, other than his shot. “When he came in here, I didn’t think he competed every day,� Groce said. “I thought he was a pick and choose guy.�

After sitting out a year after transferring from Seton Hall, Cosby has turned that initial negative into a positive.

While Cosby may have lacked a competitive drive on a daily basis, Groce said he has seen the biggest improvement from the junior shooting guard in that aspect.

A year away from competitive basketball can do that.

Cosby excelled on the offensive end of the floor when he was at Seton Hall.

He averaged 10.1 points per game over his 65 games with the Pirates and shot 38.8 percent from three during his college career. “Not playing made me even more com-

petitive,� Cosby said. “I looked at practice differently than I ever have. That was the only competition I got. So I’d try to raise the level of competition in practice.�

While he transferred to be closer to his family in Louisville, Kentucky, Cosby’s move to Illinois also makes sense in terms of fitting into the system.

The Illini lacked outside shooting threats last year, and the addition of both senior point guard Ahmad Starks and Cosby’s ability to shoot the long ball provides two deep threats for the Illini.

On multiple occasions, Groce has praised Cosby’s shooting ability. “Cosby can make shots off cuts,� Groce said. “Think of Ray Allen or Rip Hamilton or Reggie Miller. Those are not easy shots to make either. Cosby has a gift with that.�

When asked where he can help Illinois the most, Cosby was quick to respond that his offense will help space the floor better. “I can help the team shooting the ball, scoring the ball,� Cosby said. “I’ll have some attention on me just being a shooter, and it’ll open up opportunities for everyone else. It will make everyone else’s job a little easier.�

When the Illini hit the road last year,

Cosby and other fellow transfer Ahmad Starks would go to Ubben Basketball Complex to get in extra practice time.

While Cosby built up his level of daily competition against fellow Illini in practice, he’s ready to move past playing only Illinois players. “I know he’s itching to get back on the court and ready to play against someone else,� center Nnanna Egwu said. “I know he’s told me he’s tired of playing against us. He wants to play against someone different, so I can’t wait to see him out there.�

Cosby will get his chance when Illinois starts its season with an exhibiion against Quincy on Nov. 7.

While he’s improved his game in a number of areas, his level of competition will stand out this season. When Cosby takes the court, the competitiveness that was once a weakness will be one of his greatest strengths. “He hates to lose,� Groce said. “He’s got that streak in him and he’s living that out every day. He’s much more of an every day guy now than he was when he first got here.�

Nicholas can be reached at fortin2 @dailyillini.com and on Twitter @IlliniSportsGuy.

PORTRAIT BY BRENTON TSE THE DAILY ILLINI

2015/2016 Leasing Has Begun!

Sign your lease before it’s too late!

6 )LUVW

: 0DLQ

Studios

2-Bedroom

3-Bedroom

1 *UHJRU\ 6 /LQFROQ 6 /RFXVW

1 %XVH\ 1 *UHJRU\ 1 /LQFROQ ( :KLWH 6 /LQFROQ 6 /RFXVW : 0DLQ 6W 6 6WRXJKWRQ

( :KLWH 6 )LUVW

1-Bedroom 6 /LQFROQ ( +HDOH\ : 0DLQ : :HVWHUQ 6 /RFXVW

6 /LQFROQ

6 /RFXVW

4-Bedroom : 6WRXJKWRQ 6 )LUVW

5-Bedroom 6 )LUVW

ZZZ UDPVKDZ FRP _ _ : 8QLYHUVLW\ &KDPSDLJQ

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

6

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

7

EGWU TAKES CENTER STAGE

BY ALEX ROUX BASKETBALL COLUMNIST

I

llinois head coach John Groce didn’t recruit Nnanna Egwu to Champaign.

Groce was the head man at Ohio when Egwu committed to former Illini coach Bruce Weber in 2009. But now, Groce, beginning his third season coaching the 6-foot-11 center at Illinois, is running out of superlatives to describe Egwu and the role he fills on the Illinois basketball team.

Tremendous. Smart. Unique. An absolute monster on defense.

Groce has glowed about Egwu at every opportunity leading up to his senior season, and Groce is dreading the day Egwu graduates.

Egwu has come a long way since averaging 1.9 points and 1.5 rebounds per game in limited playing time as a freshman at Illinois.

He’s since established himself as a force on the defensive side of the ball, and if you ask Groce, Egwu’s one of the best defenders in the country.

He was a team captain during his junior season and will retain that role his senior year, as voted by his teammates. Listen to Groce endorse Egwu, and it’s easy to see why it pains Groce to envision a future without him.

“His ability to move laterally, his athleticism, his speed, his quickness; all those things for his size are very unique,” Groce said. “And then you add that he’s so smart defensively. He just sees things before they happen. He anticipates. You do have sins, but he covers them up a lot defensively.”

Though Egwu is expected to have a crucial impact on the floor for the Illini this season, his responsibilities aren’t limited by what Groce calls “the 94-by-50,” a.k.a. the dimensions of a basketball court. Egwu is viewed as an all-around leader by his coaches and teammates, and it’s a role he’s fully embracing.

“Nnanna’s been here with us for three years ... he embodies and represents what our culture’s about,” Groce said. “He’s obviously got a lot of ownership, and he should.

I’ve given him a lot of ownership of our team.”

Egwu understands that his role at Illinois has never been bigger. He knows that his teammates look to him as a steadying force; transfers, injuries and graduations have left a roster that looks nothing like BRENTON TSE THE DAILY ILLINI

the one Egwu saw as a freshman. He’s the only player from a disastrous 15-17 season in 2011-12 that remains on the active roster this year.

Egwu’s current teammates come from a variety of backgrounds. Underclassmen, veterans, transfers and walk-ons make up a diverse and balanced roster. Egwu knows that in order to lead effectively and remain an anchor of the team, he must be able to relate to each of his teammates on an individual level.

“I understand that everyone has their own personality and way they take things,” Egwu said. “I understand each player the way they are. I understand that things I say to certain people may not be the right thing to say to other people.”

It’s this understanding that has helped Egwu develop the future of his position at Illinois. With younger players like Maverick Morgan, Austin Colbert, Michael Finke and Leron Black all looking to crack the rotation in the Illinois frontcourt, Egwu has been a model for the underclassmen bigs to follow.

“I think ever since I’ve known him he’s had that leadership quality about him,” sophomore Colbert said. “He’s always been able to lead us and motivate the guys, whether it be just by watching him or the way he speaks.

He’s always working. You can’t help but try to imitate that.”

Teammate Tracy Abrams is another one of the Illini’s unquestioned leaders, and he arrived in the same recruiting class as Egwu.

Heading into this season, it was assumed that with both of them entering their fourth year at Illinois, Egwu would share the leadership burden with Abrams.

That dynamic shifted in early September, when Abrams tore his ACL in a preseason workout. While Abrams continues to be a leader for the Illini, his responsibilities will be strictly off the court while taking a medical redshirt this season.

When Abrams went down, it meant Egwu would have to take on an even larger in-game leadership role. Groce calls this type of oncourt leader “the voice.”

“Now with Tracy off the court ... Nnanna’s going to have to help us be that voice,” Groce said.

Egwu is prepared to shoulder the extra burden of being a vocal leader on the hardwood, and he’s confident he won’t have to do it alone. Citing fellow seniors Ahmad Starks and Rayvonte Rice as examples, Egwu says he knows his teammates will help carry the load when on-court guidance is required.

To this point, Egwu’s career at Illinois has been full of peaks and valleys. He showed flashes of promise as a sophomore against Ohio State and Miami, but looked lost at times as well. He had a miserable streak of games offensively in the middle of his junior year, only to bounce back with superhuman defensive efforts down the stretch.

To some, Egwu’s legacy will be defined by what he accomplishes with the Illini in his senior season. But according to Groce, Egwu cares much more about the team’s legacy than his own. For Egwu, it’s about representing his team and his university.

“I really think he wants to give it everything he has,” Groce said. “He’s one of those kids that only knows one way. His motor runs one way. He’s a real pleasure to coach.”

Egwu doesn’t plan on holding anything back in his final season. He refuses to set a ceiling for his team, and he’s not interested in what-ifs. He believes that hard work will take the team as far as it needs to go, and that it’s his job to make sure the Illini reach their full potential.

“You understand it’s your last year,” Egwu said. “You can’t leave anything back. I’ve got to give everything to this school and this program that I have. And I’ve got to motivate other players with me to give everything they have to this program. Not just for me, but for the guys that are leaving. Because we’ve got to make sure this year could be as great as it can be.

“I can’t be sitting down in April looking back and saying, ‘Man, I wish I did this and this different. I wish I gave more in this game, I wish I gave more in that game.’ I have to sit down in April and say, ‘That was it. I’m exhausted because what I gave was all I could give.’”

Alex can be reached at roux2 @dailyillini.com and on Twitter @aroux94.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

8

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

Starks uses family work ethic on court

BY NICHOLAS FORTIN STAFF WRITER

Ahmad Starks is quiet. He always has been.

The senior guard for the Illinois men’s basketball team has never been much of a talker. For the most part, he lets his actions speak for themselves, both on the court and off.

His quiet, cautious personality comes from his grandmother, Marzola Robinson.

Starks lived in a house with his parents and Robinson, his paternal grandmother, since he was 5 years old. Over the past 18 years, Robinson has become more than just a grandmother to him. “(She) was another mother for him,” Ahmad’s father Donzell Starks said. “(They were) extremely close.”

As Ahmad grew, his personality began to resemble Robinson’s. Donzell remembers his grandmother as a strong and independent single parent.

She worked at Oscar Meyer for more than 40 years to provide for her family. According to Donzell, Robinson was always an attentive listener and observer.

On the court Ahmad exhibits a lot of the same characteristics. As he bounds up the floor with the ball in hand, he often looks ahead, scanning the defense for areas to create a shot for himself or others. He doesn’t speak much while on the court. Taking a shot here, making a pass there — whatever the team needs.

Head coach John Groce has said he wants Ahmad to be less cautious with the ball. He wants his point guard to have more turnovers if it means he’s making more plays.

His cautious on-court approach may very well come from a combination of Robinson’s personality and the values that Donzell instilled in Ahmad from an early age.

Ahmad has a tattoo on his arm that reads, “only the strong survive,” a motto Donzell taught his son.

“I’ve always suggested to Ahmad that the guy who does the most talking is not necessarily the strongest in the room,” Donzell said. “You have two ears and one mouth.” *** As Donzell and Ahmad’s mother, Alisa, balanced full-time jobs while trying to start their own movie theater chain, Robinson looked after Ahmad.

Robinson would wake Ahmad up at 7:30 every morning to get him ready for school.

At eight, she would drive Ahmad to school so Donzell and Alisia could get to work on time.

In the afternoon, Robinson would pick Ahmad up from school. She would always bring him a snack, which made seeing her after class one of his favorite things.

The movie theater business worked out

for Donzell and Alisa, and eventually, running Inner City Entertainment became their work. Robinson continued to care for Ahmad for as many as 12 hours a day.

The two were almost inseparable, playing board games, going to Chuck E. Cheese’s, and reading together to pass the time.

Robinson loves her family. Her love was the reason she opened up around them. She could laugh and talk for hours on end. It was also the reason she worked so hard to raise Donzell on her own, and years later, help raise Ahmad.

Robinson passed that work ethic on to Ahmad.

Just as she worked hard to look after him, he put in work on the court. He picked up basketball at age 3 and excelled from the beginning. Donzell said Ahmad became a student of the game and continued to progress through AAU and high school ball.

Around Ahmad’s junior year of high school, Robinson was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

She began to forget. Sometimes she couldn’t remember what day it was or where she had left something in the house.

After years of hard work, Ahmad chose to play college basketball at Oregon State.

Although he wouldn’t be able to get home often to see his family, he decided the Beavers were the right fit and made the 2,200mile journey to Oregon State.

While with the Beavers, Ahmad took his game to another level. In 97 games, he averaged 10.2 points per game, broke Oregon State’s record for 3-point field goals with 185, and shot 39.5 percent from three as a junior.

But by Ahmad’s junior year, Robinson’s condition had worsened.

Robinson, who had cherished time with her family, began to forget family members like Donzell. When Ahmad came home for Christmas break during his junior year, she didn’t remember who he was.

Ahmad broke down and cried.

He worried about the woman who had helped mold him into the young man he had become.

Ahmad came home again for spring break that year and sat down with his parents to discuss the possibility of transferring. He knew Illinois was an option.

Sitting in his apartment in Oregon on May 28, 2013, he sent out a three-letter tweet announcing his decision. It read: “ILL.” After deciding to transfer closer to home, Ahmad applied for a hardship waiver from the NCAA. As part of the process, he wrote an essay detailing why he thought his circumstances should allow him to play

PORTRAIT BY BRENTON TSE THE DAILY ILLINI

immediately.

Ahmad focused on the fact that his grandmother had been extremely influential in raising him and that he wanted to be closer to home and to her.

“He missed his grandmother,” Donzell said. “To see her deteriorate like that was really bothersome for him.”

The hardship waiver was denied.

The reason? The NCAA, in part, didn’t think Robinson had raised him.

“They didn’t consider her close enough,” Donzell said.

Ahmad used the year he was forced to sit out to work on his game. Over the past summer, he made 13,000 shots and continued to get stronger.

“I definitely feel it helped: upper body, lower body,” Ahmad said. “I’ve gotten better conditioned. Learned the system.”

Ahmad continued to work diligently through the fall. Then the unexpected happened.

Senior point guard Tracy Abrams went down with a season-ending ACL tear and Starks jumped to starting point guard on the depth chart. *** Ahmad sits in a conference room of the Hyatt Regency O’Hare. Dressed in a white button down shirt, black tie and black pants, he answers questions from reporters about the upcoming season.

He has never been to a media day before.

The media day is just another first he’s

had to deal with after Abrams’ injury, but Ahmad seems to be handling it well. He even jokes with reporters about whether he likes being dressed up.

“A little bit,” he said. “I kinda like this attire. I need to do more of this.”

While some would find it hard to be thrust into the starting role, the lessons he learned from his family about commitment and hard work seem to be paying off.

He even sounds reassured when talking about how Abrams’ injury has changed things for him.

“With Tracy or without Tracy, my role on the court would be the same,” Ahmad said.

“The big difference is that I have to help try and replace Tracy’s vocal leadership.”

Time will tell if Ahmad is able to fill Tracy’s vocal void on the floor. Just as Robinson began to open up around family, Ahmad has a chance to do the same as the season progresses.

If the Illini want to compete for an NCAA tournament appearance, which would be Ahmad’s first, they will need him to break away from his quiet nature and become a vocal leader.

“It’s not totally my personality and not totally what I’ve been used to, but it’s something I would have to do any way,” Ahmad said. “It just has to happen.”

Nicholas is a junior in Media. He can be reached at fortin2@dailyillini.com and on Twitter @IlliniSportsGuy.

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

STAFF WRITER

The future of Illini basketball might be here already, and its name is “Savage.”

Freshman Leron Black — who was given the ferocious nickname for his aggressive rebounding — is expecting to get playing time this season and said that the media spotlight surrounding Big Ten basketball won’t be a tough transition for him.

The 6-foot-7 power forward led a nationally ranked No. 3 White Station High School to a 30-3 record last year, earning himself Tennessee’s Mr. Basketball and Gatorade Player of the Year awards.

Black was named a top-50 recruit by ESPN, Rivals, 247Sports and Scout after his 20.2 points and 12.9 rebounds per game last season.

“He’s just a man-child down there,” senior guard Rayvonte Rice said. “He just grabs at every rebound and thinks it’s his. He’s going to be ready to play in the Big Ten.” With 11 of 15 returning players from last year’s season — the other four being two freshman (Black, Michael Finke) and two transfers now eligible to play (Ahmad Starks, Aaron Cosby) — it might prove crucial to have an experienced newcomer on the roster.

The freshman, who received offers from Connecticut, Indiana, Florida and Ohio State, said most people don’t pay attention to rebounding, but rather on who can score.

“I feel like you can affect the game through rebounding and playing defense more than you can affect it through scoring,” Black said. “Everybody on this team can score, but if I get a rebound, then I can help get other players opportunities to score.”

When head coach John Groce thought about who will replace senior Nanna Egwu as a leader on the team — a player he describes as a model student-athlete both on and off the court — Black was one of the first names to come to his mind from both a character and effort standpoint.

“Black has really added a dimension to our team of physicality and relentless motor similar to Nnanna,” Groce said. “I think Black wakes up with his motor on and doesn’t turn it off until he goes to bed. He’s just one of those guys.”

In Groce’s mind, Black already fits into Illinois’ style of play too.

“At Illinois, you’re evaluated on defending and rebounding,” Groce said. “They know that as sure as night follows day.”

Black had the second-most rebounds (seven) on the team in Illinois’ preseason scrimmage in late October, just one behind Maverick Morgan (eight).

The freshman said he understands why people call him “Savage,” and that he doesn’t mind the name.

“When you play hard, you get names like that,” Black said.

Black said his preference for “old school basketball” is his ticket to earning playing time with Illinois this season.

“I like to watch old school games like in Jordan’s time,” Black said. “They played a lot more aggressive, and the game was so much harder. I feel like we don’t have that as much in our game today, so I try to bring that as much as I can.”

Sean can be reached at spneuma2 @dailyillini.com and on Twitter @neumannthehuman.

PORTRAIT BY BRENTON TSE THE DAILY ILLINI

GET

Black’s aggressive play a new element for Illini

BY SEAN NEUMANN

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

9

b

Š

b

readbuzz.com

USDA CHOICE AGED STEAKS SIGNATURE SALAD BAR “GRILL YOUR OWN” STEAK FULL BAR + WINE LIST FAMOUS SKILLET COOKIE DESSERT

SERVING THE URBANA-CHAMPAIGN COMMUNITY SINCE 1986

For reservations:

Hours:

202 W. Anthony Drive Champaign, IL

Mon - Thurs: 4:30pm - 9pm Fri: 4:30pm - 10pm Sat: 4:00pm - 10pm Sun: 4:00pm - 9pm

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

What returns for the Illini basketball team in 2014-15?

Head coach John Groce returns the majority of his team from a year ago, along with a large portion of last year’s production on the court. Illinois’ returning numbers are significantly lowered by the loss of guard Tracy Abrams for the year.

Returning

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

10 2,846

927

59.5%

58.8%

425

64.0%

148

318

57.8%

60.1%

109

48.1%

Lost

4,179

1,321

756

203

479

101

MINUTES

POINTS

REBOUNDS

ASSISTS

FIELD GOALS

THREE-POINTERS BRYAN LORENZ THE DAILY ILLINI

SOURCE: FIGHTINGILLINI.COM

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE: SCHOLARSHIP GRID Head coach John Groce and his staff continue to hit the recruiting trail hard. Darius Paul leaving the program, at least for this year, leaves one scholarship unused in 2014-15. Groce has landed one of the top collections of talent in the class of 2015. He still has one more scholarship to hand out to go along with commits D.J. Williams, Aaron Jordan and Jalen Coleman-Lands.

SCHOLARSHIP

2014-15

2015-16

2016-17

2017-18

2018-19

1

NNANNA EGWU

TRACY ABRAMS

MALCOLM HILL

LERON BLACK

D.J. WILLIAMS*

2

RAYVONTE RICE

AARON COSBY

KENDRICK NUNN

MICHAEL FINKE

AARON JORDAN*

3

AHMAD STARKS

MALCOLM HILL

JAYLON TATE

D.J. WILLIAMS*

JALEN COLEMAN-LANDS*

4

TRACY ABRAMS

KENDRICK NUNN

AUSTIN COLBERT

AARON JORDAN*

OPEN

5

AARON COSBY

JAYLON TATE

MAVERICK MORGAN

JALEN COLEMAN-LANDS*

OPEN

6

MALCOLM HILL

AUSTIN COLBERT

LERON BLACK

OPEN

OPEN

7

KENDRICK NUNN

MAVERICK MORGAN

MICHAEL FINKE

OPEN

OPEN

8

JAYLON TATE

LERON BLACK

D.J. WILLIAMS

OPEN

OPEN

9

AUSTIN COLBERT

MICHAEK FINKE

AARON JORDAN*

OPEN

OPEN

10

MAVERICK MORGAN

D.J. WILLIAMS*

JALEN COLEMAN-LANDS*

OPEN

OPEN

11

LERON BLACK

AARON JORDAN*

OPEN

OPEN

OPEN

12

MICHAEL FINKE

JALEN COLEMAN-LANDS*

OPEN

OPEN

OPEN

13

OPEN

OPEN

OPEN

OPEN

OPEN

WALK-ON

MIKE LATULIP

MIKE LATULIP

WALK-ON

ALEX AUSTIN

ALEX AUSTIN

ALEX AUSTIN

WALK-ON

CAMERON LISS

CAMERON LISS

CAMERON LISS

CAMERON LISS

* VERBAL COMMIT

FRESHMAN

SOPHOMORE

JUNIOR

SENIOR

REDSHIRT

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

11

PORTRAIT BY BRENTON TSE THE DAILY ILLINI

Finke finds home on Illinois’ court Champaign native, son of former Illini football player, hopes to see playing time

BY SEAN NEUMANN STAFF WRITER

M

ichael Finke doesn’t have to travel far to get to the State Farm Center.

His home in Champaign is only about four miles from Illinois basketball’s home court.

The Champaign native is one of two incoming freshman joining the Illini in 2014-15, looking to find playing time behind more established bigs, such as Nnanna Egwu and Maverick Morgan.

Finke, a 6-foot-10 forward from Champaign’s Centennial High School, said there was an initial shock when he first practiced with the Illini earlier this year — a team he grew up idolizing during the Dee Brown and Deron Williams years.

But Finke’s all-time favorite Illini athlete isn’t someone he saw play at Illinois, just someone he’s heard stories about.

Finke’s father, Jeff, played basketball at Illinois in 1987 before joining the football team, where he earned four varsity letters as a tight end.

Michael told his father he was committing to his alma mater in late 2012.

“He was thrilled,” the younger Finke said. “The fact that I ended up here where he went to school, I’m sure it meant a lot to him.”

The benefits of playing college ball in his hometown allows him to still see his family once every week — a luxury most college students don’t have.

“My mom still does my laundry, so that’s good for me,” Finke laughed. “It’s awesome, but it feels like I’m so far away too.”

The competition’s skill level will surely be far better than what Finke was used to playing against in high school, where he averaged 19.6 points and 9.3 rebounds in his senior season, earning first-team allstate honors.

While Finke has had an easy transition to college life, junior guard Aaron Cosby said the freshman will still have to adjust on the court.

“Practice is a lot more intense,” said Cosby, who transferred to Illinois from Seton Hall last season. “Having to bring it every day is going to be an adjustment.”

Finke said that there have been no conversations with the Illini coaching staff about redshirting yet, and he’s looking to earn playing time off the bench this season.

Head coach John Groce said Finke and sophomore Austin Colbert will be relied on to provide backup for Egwu when he needs a breather.

“He’s not going to be able to play 40 minutes,” Groce said. “How productive are we defensively and offensively when he’s out of the game? I think that’s a big key to our being consistent.”

Groce said the freshman has adjusted faster than he expected and wants to be “open-minded” when figuring him into Illinois’ gameplan and playing to his strengths as a shooting big man.

Finke joins senior guard Rayvonte Rice as the second player on the Illini roster from Centennial.

Groce said having two Champaign natives on Illinois’ roster is a positive for the program.

“We just want Illini guys,” Groce said.

“Obviously, we recognize the importance of our state — the tradition that we’ve had of having in-state players — and that’s important to us. But at the same time, nothing ever really trumps having Illini guys. They’re cultural fits, the style of play fits, the school fits, and I think for both of those guys, it certainly has.”

Finke will wear No. 43 — the same number his father wore for the Illini when he played in 1987.

And while he said his focus is on improving on the court in hopes of competing for more playing time, the awe of playing basketball for Illinois is something he can’t ignore.

“Growing up hearing stories about my dad and growing up watching Illinois, it’s awesome to put on this uniform — ‘Illinois’ on the chest, ‘Finke’ on the back — it’s a dream come true,” Finke said. “I’m just trying to take it in day-by-day.”

Sean can be reached at spneuma2 @dailyillini.com and on Twitter @neumannthehuman.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

DAILY ILLINI FILE PHOTO

Champaign native Trent Meacham played for the Illini for three seasons.

Local products

Finke will be the 14th ChampaignUrbana native to be a men’s basketball letterwinner with the Illini.

G Rayvonte Rice 2014 Centennial High School G Andrew “Bubba” Chisholm 2009-10 Central High School G Trent Meacham 2007-09 Centennial High School G Steve Holdren 2008 Centennial High School G Nate Mast 1999-2001 Central High School G David Freeman 1997-98 Central High School G P.J. Bowman 1989-90 Parkland College F Ken Ferdinand 1976-77 Urbana High School G Bob Shapland 1970-71 Central High School G Rodney Fletcher 1950-52 Champaign High School G Ted Beach, 1950-51 Champaign High School C Fred Green 1946-49 Urbana High School G Robert McKay 1927 Champaign High School

BRENTON TSE THE DAILY ILLINI

Illini Rayvonte Rice played at Centennial High School in Champaign.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Preview

BY SAM SHERMAN STAFF WRITER

Illinois

Iowa

Head Coach: John Groce Record: 20-15, 7-11 Big Ten Postseason Finish: Lost in second round of NIT Key Returners: Joseph Bertrand, Jon Ekey, Rayvonte Rice, Tracy Abrams (Torn ACL) Nnanna Egwu Leron Black, Ahmad Starks, Aaron Cosby, Michael Finke From The Coach: “I love our experience with 11 out of 15 players having been in our program for at least a year, so we’ve got some continuity there and some maturity.”

Analysis: The Illini return most of their team from last season and add ferocious rebounder Leron Black, local product Michael Finke and two transfers in Ahmad Starks and sharpshooter Aaron Cosby.

Head Coach: Fran McCaffery Record: 20-13, 9-9 Big Ten Postseason Finish: Lost in round of 128 Roy Devyn Marble, Key Returners: Mike Melsahn Basabe Gesell, Aaron White, Dom Uhl, Trey Adam Woodbury Dickerson From The Coach: (On losing Marble) “Well, the leadership and talent, obviously it shifts to Aaron White. It’s Aaron White’s team. But again, he’s got two other seniors and four juniors all of whom played a lot, and they’re all good people and they’re all good players.”

Analysis: The loss of leading scorer Marble will hurt the Hawkeyes offensively, but with a returning core of Gesell, White and Woodbury, they should be in good shape.

Michigan

Michigan State

Head Coach: John Beilein Record: 28-9, 15-3 Big Ten Postseason Finish: Lost in Elite Eight Key Returners: Mitch McGary, Nik Derrick Walton, Stauskas, Glenn Robinson Caris LeVert, Zak III, Jordan Morgan Irvin Kameron Chatman From The Coach: (On Caris LeVert) “I love his personality because he doesn’t let things bother him very much.”

Analysis: The NBA draft took three of the Wolverine’s top players from last season. The maize and blue return key players in Derrick Walton, Caris LeVert and Zak Irvin.

Northwestern Head Coach: Chris Collins Record: 14-19, 6-12 Big Ten Postseason Finish: N/A Drew Crawford, Kyle Key Returners: Abrahamson, Aaron Dave Sobolewski, Liberman Tre Demps, Alex Olah Vic Law, Bryant McIntosh From The Coach: “We lost a lot with Drew Crawford. Drew was kind of our ‘Mr. Everything.’”

Analysis: While the Wildcats have still never reached the NCAA tournament, Collins’ led Northwestern to some solid wins last year. He built a strong recruiting class.

Rutgers

Head Coach: Eddie Jordan Record: 12-21, 5-13 AAC Postseason Finish: N/A

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

12

Head Coach: Tom Izzo Record: 29-9, 12-6 Big Ten Postseason Finish: Loss in Elite Eight Key Returners: Adreian Payne, Keith Denzel Appling, Gary Harris Valentine Lourawls Nairn, Javon Bess From The Coach: “I kind of like this team. I think it’s a team with the same kind of passion we had last year, the same kind of camaraderie, but a little better leadership.”

Analysis: The Spartans hope that talented forward Denzel Valentine can become the all-around player that former Spartan great Draymond Green was. If Valentine can put it all together, expect the Spartans to have a solid year.

Ohio State

Big Ten is set to come back strong after successful campaign; Wisconsin enters season as favorite

Maryland

Indiana Head Coach: Tom Crean Record: 17-15, 7-11 Big Ten Postseason Finish: N/A Key Returners: Yogi Ferrell, Troy Williams, Stanford Robinson

Noah Vonleh, Will Sheehey James Blackmon

From The Coach: “As far as us, we’re trying to get ourselves to a point right now where we can look at every day and know that we are tenacious.”

Analysis: Indian a looks forward to showcasing its top recruit, James Blackmon Jr. Blackmon was a five-star recruit who will be a legitimate candidate for Big Ten Freshman of the Year.

Minnesota Head Coach: Richard Pitino Record: 25-13, 8-10 Big Ten Postseason Finish: Won NIT Austin Hollins, Key Returners: Andre Malik Smith Hollins, Deandre Josh Martin, Nate Mathieu, Maurice Mason Walker From The Coach: “The NIT, winning the NIT, it’s just weird — nobody knows how to handle it. Do you brag about it?”

Analysis: Pitino joked at Big Ten Media Day that the team didn’t really know how to celebrate being NIT Champions. The question this season will be whether or not Pitino can take the Gophers to the next level.

Penn State

J.J. Moore, Jerome Seagears Ibrahima Diallo

From The Coach: “We know where we are as far as the 14-team league, and again, it’s going to be a great challenge for us, and we just hope that we can be competitive and represent our school, our University, and our community in a respectful way.”

Analysis: The Scarlet Knights had an unsuccessful year last season and it won’t help that they are now playing in the nation’s toughest conference. Don’t be surprised if they are near the bottom of the Big Ten this season.

From The Coach: “Obviously, with a season you’re always excited, but when you’re joining a new league, it even makes it a little bit more exciting.”

Analysis: Maryland’s transition to the Big Ten could be a lot smoother with the help of a top15 recruiting class. It finished at .500 in the ACC last year, and with a great class to build around, Maryland could be an interesting team to watch going into the 2014-15 season.

Nebraska Head Coach: Tim Miles Record: 19-13, 11-7 Big Ten Postseason Finish: Lost in round of 64 Ray Gallegos Key Returners: Terran Petteway, Shavon Shields, Jacob Hammond Tai Webster From The Coach: “I mean, we weren’t any good until we defended.”

Analysis: Last season, the Cornhuskers had a lackluster showing in the NCAA tournament, but many people believe this season will be even better.

Purdue

Head Coach: Pat Chambers Record: 16-18, 6-12 Big Ten Head Coach: Thad Matta Postseason Finish: Lost in CBI Quarterfinals Record: 25-10, 10-8 Big Ten Tim Frazier Key Returners: D.J. Newbill, Postseason Finish: Lost in round of 64 Aaron Craft, Lenzelle Smith Ross Travis, Brandon Taylor Key Returners: Shep Garner Jr., LaQuinton Ross Sam Thompson, Shannon Scott, From The Coach: “The Big Ten is a difficult league, D’Angelo Russell, Keita Amir Williams, but as long as we compete like we did last year, Bates-Diop, Jae’Sean Tate Marc Loving hopefully, some of those swing games will go our From The Coach: “I think from the standpoint of a way this year.” lot of questions about our basketball team, from Analysis: Gone is impact scorer, Tim Frazier. the standpoint of losing three starters, I’ve told Returning are D.J. Newbill, Ross Travis and people we’re going to be a different team.”

Brandon Taylor, so if Penn State can take the next Analysis: It should be an interesting year for the developmental step, the season can be more Buckeyes after losing Aaron Craft. They still return successful for Chambers’ squad. plenty of talent from last season, but it wouldn’t be surprising if losing Craft impacts them greatly.

Key Returners: Myles Mack, Kadeem Jack

Head Coach: Mark Turgeon Record: 17-15, 9-9 ACC Postseason Finish: N/A Nick Faust, Seth Allen Key Returners: Romelo Trimble, Dion Jake Layman, Evan Wiley Smotrycz

Head Coach: Matt Painter Record: 15-17, 5-13 Big Ten Postseason Finish: N/A Key Returners: A.J. Hammons

Terone Johnson, Ronnie Johnson Isaac Haas

From The Coach: “I like our guys. We have good size in A.J. Hammons and Isaac Haas.”

Analysis: Purdue had another disappointing season last year. If A.J. Hammons realizes his true potential, he could be a threat in the Big Ten, but until then, Purdue will struggle.

Wisconsin

Head Coach: Bo Ryan Record: 30-8, 12-6 Big Ten Postseason Finish: Lost in Final Four

Key Returners: Nigel Hayes, Traevon Jackson, Sam Dekker, Josh Gasser, Frank Kaminsky

Ben Brust Ethan Happ

From The Coach: “Most of the players that are playing in the Big Ten played in high schools where their teams were targeted, where their teams were marked.”

Analysis: The Badgers return nearly the same team that made it to the Final Four a year ago. Frank Kaminsky and Sam Dekker will make the Badgers the team to beat all season long in the Big Ten.