Illinois Basketball’s Key: Improved Depth

By Paul Schmidt A very different Illini team is taking the court this season in the Assembly Hall in Champaign, and this fact gives the Illini options a-plenty. Though defensively the team has seemed to take a step back, offensively they have as diverse and dynamic of an offense as the team has displayed in 20 years — Yes, since the Flyin’ Illini. One of the more exciting aspects for the Illini is that the offense will push the limits this season, for certain. “I want to run; that’s our strength, our athleticism,” Illinois head coach Bruce Weber said. ”Last year, when I wouldn’t run, that’s all I heard was, ‘Why don’t you run??’ So now, we’re running.” Weber was obviously not buckling to the pressure of the media, and was kidding in those post-game comments. It does illustrate the point that everyone knows that this team is deep and has a bunch of moving parts that can come in and out of the game. He had some great things to say ...