One of Illinois coach Bruce Weber’s challenges in the first few games of the season is to take steps on settling on a rotation that needs a boost in at least two areas, scoring and physical play near the basket.
As the Illini opened the season Friday night against Eastern Washington at Assembly Hall, sophomore Mike Davis, senior swingman Calvin Brock and junior college transfer Dominique Keller tried to make their move for a position along the front line.
The Illini rolled to a 66-50 victory over the Eagles as senior guard Trent Meacham led the Illini with 18 points and Chester Frazier added 13.
None of the would-be starting forwards excelled, with Davis getting six points and five rebounds. Brock had one point; Keller didn’t score and grabbed three rebounds.
Davis and Brock both started Friday with Demetri McCamey on the bench.
McCamey ended up with 11 points, but Weber was trying to make a point by not starting him.
“Demetri is our best player, at least potentially,” Weber said. “All I’ve talked about all year is hard work and heart and hustle, and if Demteri can’t do that it’s tough to justify to the other guys. He has to guard, play both ends.”
Frazier said he hopes McCamey takes not starting as motivation.
“He’s a young guy, very talented, we’re going to need him to win games,” Frazier said. “I think that should motivate him more to play with intensity.”
The experimentation will continue Sunday afternoon when Texas A&M-Corpus Christi visits. Then on Thursday, the Illini take a step up in competition with a trip to Vanderbilt.
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tabannon@tribune.com
