Illinois
Conference: Big Ten
1997-98 record: 22-10
Key returning players: Jerry Hester, F, Jarrod Gee, C, Matt Heldman, G
Key losses: Kiwane Garris, G
Preseason question: Can prep school transfer Awvee Storey step in at forward?
Opener: Bradley at home, Nov. 17
Northwestern
Conference: Big Ten
1997-98 record: 7-22
Key returning players: Evan Eschmeyer, C, Joe Branch, F
Key losses: Jevon Johnson, G, Carvell Ammons, F
Preseason question: Who will step up in the backcourt?
Opener: Sienna at home, Nov. 22
DePaul
Conference: Conference USA
1997-98 record: 3-23
Key returning players: Jermaine Watts, G, Jerome Taylor, G
Key losses: Joey Meyer, coach
Preseason question: How quickly will the players take to Pat Kennedy?
Opener: Alabama State at home, Nov. 17.
Notre Dame
Conference: Big East
1997-98: 16-14
Key returning players: Pat Garrity, F, Derek Manner, F
Key losses: Matt Gotsch, C, Ardmore White, G
Preseason question: Who will win the battle at point guard between Martin Ingelsby and Jimmy Dillon?
Opener: The Citadel at home, Nov. 17.
Loyola
Conference: Midwestern Collegiate
1997-98 record: 12-15
Key returning players: Javon Goodman, F, Donyale Bush, F
Key losses: Derek Molis
Preseason question: Can the Ramblers get solid play out of their guards?
Opener: Robert Morris at home, Nov. 15.
Northern Illinois
Conference: Mid-America
1997-98 record: 12-15
Key returning players: T.J. Lux, F-C, Donte Parker, G
Key losses: Chris Coleman, G-F, Ronald Minter, G
Preseason question: Who will step up for Coleman and Minter?
Opener: At California State-Sacramento, Nov. 19.
Chicago State
Conference: Mid-Continent
1997-98: 4-23
Key returning players: Rahsaan Mitchell, F, Roy Shannon, G
Key losses: Corey Billups, F
Preseason question: Can Jermaine Hicks, a transfer from Weber State, make the grade at point guard?
Opener: At Iowa, Nov. 14.
Northeastern Illinois
Conference: Mid-Continent
1997-98: 16-12
Key returning players: Daveeno Hines, F, Brad Bester, G
Key losses: Andrell Hoard, F
Preseason question: With Hoard gone, who emerges as the leader?
Opener: At Stephen F. Austin, Nov. 14.
