In almost any direction you turn from Chicago, you’re bound to find a directional school (Northern, Eastern, Western and Southern) playing Division I basketball and some–SIU in particular–making noise come March. And don’t forget Bradley’s run to the Sweet 16 last season. It’s a talent-rich region, with Illinois’ representatives joined by the Big East’s Notre Dame and Marquette.
Northern Illinois
2005-06: 17-11, 12-6 in Mid-American.
Coach: Rob Judson (67-78).
The skinny: The Huskies won the MAC West Division last season but lost three starters. The good news is Judson played a lot of people, having seven different players lead the Huskies in scoring. Center James Hughes, a 6-11 senior from Silvis, Ill., was the conference’s defensive player of the year. Guard Mike McKinney is also a returning starter. Ben Rand, a 6-7 junior, is coming off knee surgery, and his presence will be a key. Five new players could play a part in NIU’s season.
— Reid Hanley.
Illinois State
2005-06: 9-19, 4-14 in Missouri Valley
Coach: Porter Moser (90-85, 36-51)
The skinny: It looks like the Redbirds have their backcourt solved with JC transfers Boo Richardson and Dom Johnson. Greg Dilligard (6-8) is a solid inside player. Levi Dyer, 6-11, can shoot the three.
— Reid Hanley.
Bradley
2005-06: 22-11, 11-7 in Missouri Valley.
Coach: Jim Les (62-60).
The skinny: Patrick O’Bryant’s departure to the NBA’s Warriors hurts this Sweet 16 team the most. Pressure on guard Daniel Ruffin and forward Zach Andrews.
— Reid Hanley.
Southern Illinois
2005-06: 22-11, 12-6 in Missouri Valley.
Coach: Chris Lowery (49-19).
The skinny: On paper, this could be the best team in the state. Guards Jamaal Tatum, Tony Young and Bryan Mullins give opposition a headache with pressure D.
— Reid Hanley.
Eastern Illinois
2005-06: 6-21, 5-15 Ohio Valley
Coach: Mike Miller (93-100, 6-21)
The skinny: Second-year coach Mike Miller eyes improvement with junior guard Mike Robinson, EIU’s second-leading scorer; Bobby Catchings, a junior guard; and junior Jake Byrne, a 6-8 center.
— Jack McCarthy.
Western Illinois
2005-06: 7-21, 3-13 in Mid Continent
Coach: Derek Thomas (21-63)
The skinny: The fourth-year coach hopes the return of four of last year’s top five scorers will lead to better fortunes–especially in close games. The Leathernecks lost 10 games by 10 or fewer points last winter.
— Jack McCarthy.
Valparaiso
2005-06: 17-12, 8-8 in Mid-Continent
Coach: Homer Drew (555-347)
The skinny: Homer Drew, the country’s ninth-winningest active coach, has one returning starter. Junior point guard Jarryd Loyd had 20 starts in 27 appearances and averaged 5.4 points. Three-point threat Shawn Huff averaged 7.5 points and four rebounds but missed half of last season with injuries.
— Jack McCarthy.
