University of Illinois Fighting Illini Men's Basketball Preview - 2008-2009 Season

Summary of 2007-2008 Season

The Illini team finished the season with a 15-19 record. It doesn't seem like much good could have come from a season like that, and that would be true. It was the worst season that Illini basketball has seen in some time. What's worse, the Illini were in the NCAA Title game just a few seasons back. It's a startling drop for a basketball program that had been on the rise.

Chief (pun intended) among the reasons for this decline are average recruiting and, of course, Eric Gordon's de-commitment and subsequent signing with the arch-rival Indiana Hoosiers. Coach Bruce Weber has brought in some pretty good basketball players in the '05-'07 recruiting classes, but he could not bring in that one difference-maker for last year. Gordon would have been that man last year, but Demetri McCamey may be able to develop into that man in the future for the Illini. Apparent poor team chemistry and Jamar Smith's suspension sealed the deal on a poor season.

However, there were a few bright spots during the season. Demetri McCamey showed the ability to lead the team as a freshman. He was willing and able to take the big shots and he improved as the year went on. Chances are that he'll be the starting point guard for Illini basketball until he leaves Champaign. In addition to McCamey, freshmen Mike Tisdale and Mike Davis received valuable playing time, especially down the stretch.

Player profiles are available for many of the players by clicking on their names.

Backcourt