Busting Brackets
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Big Ten Basketball: Badgers to turn NCAA Tournament momentum into Big Ten title

By Bryce Bennett

Dec 28, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; The Big Ten Conference logo on the Kohl Center Court during pre-game warm-ups before the Wisconsin Badgers take to the floor to play the Buffalo Bulls at the Kohl Center. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; The Big Ten Conference logo on the Kohl Center Court during pre-game warm-ups before the Wisconsin Badgers take to the floor to play the Buffalo Bulls at the Kohl Center. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 3, 2016; College Park, MD, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Jalen Coleman-Lands (5) shoots over Maryland Terrapins guard Melo Trimble (2) during the first half at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2016; College Park, MD, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Jalen Coleman-Lands (5) shoots over Maryland Terrapins guard Melo Trimble (2) during the first half at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Illinois Fighting Illini

2015-16 record: 15-19 overall, 5-13 in Big Ten

Head coach: John Groce

Notable departures:  Kendrick Nunn (transferred to Oakland), Khalid Lewis

Notable returnees: Malcolm Hill, Mike Thorne Jr., Jalen Coleman-Lands, Tracy Abrams, Maverick Morgan, Michael Finke, Leron Black, Aaron Jordan, D.J. Williams, Jaylon Tate

Notable newcomers:  Three-star G Te’Jon Lucas, redshirt freshman Kipper Nichols

Another coach potentially on the hot seat for 2016-17 is John Groce. Illinois has had its issues with player control, but injuries have also hurt the Illini. The injury bug already started to re-emerge with an injury to talented wing Jalen Coleman-Lands, but the guard was cleared to return to basketball activities recently.

With Coleman-Lands, Tracy Abrams (who missed all of last season), All-Big Ten scorer Malcolm Hill and freshman Te’Jon Lucas, the Illini have a nice backcourt for 2016-17 campaign.

So why are they 10th in the conference? Their front court still needs work. Injuries decimated them last season, but players such as Maverick Morgan (8.3 points per game) and Mike Thorne Jr. (played in just eight games before surgery) need to rebound and stabilize the area around the rim.

Another wild card is sophomore forward Leron Black, who averaged four points in only eight games last season.

If they are able to compliment their back court, the Illini have sneaky NCAA Tournament potential. If injuries come back and the Illini continue to struggle with their offensive efficiency, rebounding and defense, Groce could be headed out the door. It will be a unique year for the Illini this season.

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