Illinois Sports: 5 Goals Over the Next Three Years

Sep 27, 2014; Lincoln, NE, USA; Illinois Fighting Illni defenders Jarrod Clements (99) and DeJazz Woods (90) signal first down as they wait for the referees
Sep 27, 2014; Lincoln, NE, USA; Illinois Fighting Illni defenders Jarrod Clements (99) and DeJazz Woods (90) signal first down as they wait for the referees /
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Dec 9, 2015; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Malcolm Hill (21) smiles after a foul by Yale Bulldogs forward Justin Sears (22) at State Farm Center. Illinois beat Yale 69 to 65. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 9, 2015; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Malcolm Hill (21) smiles after a foul by Yale Bulldogs forward Justin Sears (22) at State Farm Center. Illinois beat Yale 69 to 65. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports /

Illinois Basketball Goes Dancing

The Illinois basketball team has struggled over the last three years and there is really no denying that fact.

Since John Groce took over this great program, the Illini haven’t been able to get back on track.  They went to the NCAA Tournament the first year he was in Champaign but have failed to get back since.

The fortunes are going to change for Illinois, though.

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Groce has point guard Te’Jon Lucas coming in for 2016 and will be added to the backcourt of Tracy Abrams and Jalen Coleman-Lands.

Illinois also should be getting center Mike Thorne Jr. back for his sixth season, as well.  That would solidify the center position for at least one more year.

In addition to Lucas being added and Thorne coming back, Illinois is also getting back Leron Black who will serve a four-game regular season suspension for an incident earlier this year.

I can see Illinois breaking that three-season drought of missing the postseason this year.  If they can get the players back that I think they will, then the future will be bright sooner than later.

Next: Goal No. 2