On April 30, Illinois athletic director Ron Guenther introduced his third men's basketball coach in seven years, Southern Illinois' Bruce Weber. The new coach understands the pain of the Illini players.

"They had their hearts taken out," Weber said. "I think a lot of that's behind us now. I've been very pleased with the kids, with how they've received us. It just comes down to, is it going to click right away?"

The energetic Weber won in Carbondale with a lot less talent than what he inherits at Illinois.

"We had maybe one guard [at Southern Illinois] who could compete," Weber said. "There's four here. We had maybe one big guy who could do some pretty good things there. It's not only quality here; it's quantity."

FRONTCOURT

James Augustine wasn't a high-level recruit during his prep career. Coaches across the country are kicking themselves. As a freshman, the former high school quarterback moved quickly into the starting lineup and finished second on the team in rebounding and blocked shots.

"It was amazing how good a year he had," Weber said. "He has a little bit of that toughness from playing football. He came in without expectations and just busted his butt, got after people and had success. Now he's got to take another step and improve his shooting."

Roger Powell finished second in the Big Ten in field-goal percentage and was at his best late in the season, scoring 16 points in the conference title game and earning a spot on the all-tournament team. "He's very driven," Weber said. "He wants to be special."

Tulsa transfer Jack Ingram is eligible and could work his way into the rotation. Weber thinks Ingram is a sleeping giant.

Nick Smith is an awake giant, at 7-foot-2 the tallest player in the program's history. Despite his size, Smith might be the team's best perimeter shooter; he hit 45.5 percent of his 3-point attempts last season.

Aaron Spears sat out the majority of the 2002-03 season as a freshman because of an injury. He's a big body who is difficult to move. Incoming freshmen Brian Randle and Warren Carter will try to get comfortable quickly to give Weber more inside options.

BACKCOURT

You won't find a better leader in the Big Ten than sophomore Dee Brown. Just ask him. The confident Brown took control of the team last season in a way former star Frank Williams never could. He sped down the court at every opportunity, creating easy opportunities for thankful teammates. He became a huge hit with the fans, and the media couldn't get enough of his frankness.

"The 'human fast break' is a great term," Weber said. "He has that extra jet a lot of people don't have. A great leader, a Pied Piper."

To become one of the nation's top guards, Brown needs to improve his strength and his shot.

Lost in Brown's shadow is the capable Deron Williams. He averaged more assists in Big Ten games than Brown. "He's a competitive, driven guy," Weber said. "He just doesn't like to lose."

Junior Luther Head had offseason surgery to relieve a chronic problem in his pelvic area. He is expected to be 100 percent by the end of the summer and could bump his scoring average into double figures. When healthy, there isn't a better athlete in the Big Ten.

Jerrance Howard considered ending his career after his junior year but opted to return for his final season. Despite playing limited minutes, the future coach has earned the respect of his teammates and will be an important voice on the bench.

Weber has high hopes for incoming freshman Richard McBride, a talented shooter.

FINAL ANALYSIS

Welcome back to the Big Ten, Bruce Weber. All the local folks expect is another Big Ten title and a deep run during March. Notre Dame exposed some of Illinois' weaknesses in the NCAA Tournament, shooting unguarded 3-pointers and forcing the Illini to beat them from outside. It worked, and others took notice.

The big test comes if the team has a short skid. Will the players stick together or throw up their hands? Weber seems to have a good handle on his guys, so don't expect anybody to panic.

The nonconference schedule is a chore, but if another scorer emerges to complement Brown, the Illini will compete for the Big Ten title and be a difficult out in the NCAA Tournament.

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