Quarter 1 – 7 Games
Nicholls State (Home) – Win 92-83
A home game against a low-level DI program should be an easy win. Nicholls State was 14-17 last season, but they are returning almost their entire roster. Every player who got at least 10 minutes per game, which is a total of nine players, returns for Nicholls State. Something tells me this game could be a little closer than most would want it.
Grand Canyon (Away) – Win 102-68
This Grand Canyon team was tough last season, finished the campaign with a 20-14 record. But they lost a lot of talent at the top of that roster. The three players who played the most minutes, Damari Milstead, Michael Finke and Trey Drechsel, are all gone from the team. They also lost Gerard Martin, Matt Jackson, Tim Finke and Roberts, Blumbergs, all of which played double-digit minutes per game. This isn’t the same Grand Canyon team, so I think the Illini come away with a blowout win.
#21 Arizona (Away) – Win 75-70
It was shocking to see Arizona have a record of 17-15 last season. But this team has reloaded with young talent. The Wildcats did lose their top two minutes getters from last season in Justin Coleman and Brandon Randolph. I think their replacements will be solid, though. Nico Mannion is coming in and he was one of the best players in his class. They also had Josh Green come in, who was a top 20 player and Zeke Nnaji who was a top 50 player. But they are all young, so there is still a learning curve. I think Illinois comes away with a win here over an up-and-coming Arizona team.
Hawaii (Home) – Win 88-70
Hawaii wasn’t a bad team last season in the Big West. They managed to put together a record of 18-13 under Eran Ganot. There were some key departures from that solid team, though. Jack Purchase departed the program, and he led the team in scoring and was second in rebounds. Brocke Stepteau also departed. He was fourth on the team in minutes and second in assists. A total of three of the top six minutes getters from last season are not back this year. That should be too much attrition for this Rainbow Warriors program to handle.
The Citadel (Home) – Win 95-62
Illinois should be able to put another win on the board when they host The Citadel. They were 12-18 last season, and most of their talent departed the program. Their top three leading scorers are all gone. Lew Stallworth led the team with 20.2 points, 6.2 assists and 5.3 rebounds per game, and he is not back this season. With a relatively new team, The Citadel should struggle greatly against the Illini.
Hampton (Home) – Win 81-64
Another average to below average program last season was Hampton. They finished their campaign 18-17, but they still competed with the bigger teams they did play. But Hampton lost a lot of talent from that team. They are only returning two of their top six minutes getters. Their best player, Jermaine Marrow, is back. He averaged 24.4 points, 4.9 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game. He will be Illinois’ main focus. While Marrow is back, he might not have too much help around him. This could be a struggle for Hampton.
Lindenwood (Home) – Win 101-58
This is a game against DII Lindenwood. This game should be close purely based on the fact Illinois is going up against a DII program. Lindenwood was also bad last season in the DII ranks. They only had a record of 16-16 overall. I would imagine this game is going to be one that enables the players deep on the bench to get some playing time.