Illini to have anonymous look after big names move on to NBA

The Associated Press

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Illinois basketball's slogan this season, "Winning is a Habit," is a catchphrase coach Bruce Weber hopes proves true as the Illini face their first season without any of the starters who led them to the 2005 NCAA Championship game.

"I think the kids have that sense of what it takes, they know the effort, the work ethic, the amount of time they have to put in," Weber said.

"That habit carries from one group to another and builds your team from one season to the next," he said.

The Illini plan to place new players in proven positions in 2006-07, returning to the three-guard strategy that worked during the first two years of Weber's tenure and played a large part in the success of the 2005 season.

But with guards Dee Brown, Luther Head and Deron Williams all on NBA rosters, Illinois will ask last year's largely unproven bench to fill the void.

"Every year it's always a little rough starting out, but now having a totally different point guard, a different inside presence," forward Brian Randle said.

"We're going to have to rely on our defense and hope our offense comes along," he said.

The Illini will play the first four games without senior guard Rich McBride following his arrest in September on driving under the influence. McBride, who averaged 10 points a game a year ago, won't be eligible to play until Nov. 21 against Savannah State.

Chester Frazier will step in at point, but Weber said the sophomore still needs to slow down his game and maintain control on the court. But Weber said that what Frazier lacks in consistency he makes up for in adrenaline.

"Some guys you say 'sub' and they run out as quick as they can. When you say 'sub' to Chester, he won't go out unless you pull him off the court," Weber said. "That's one of the best things about him."

Illinois' roster only features two freshmen: center Brian Carlwell and forward Richard Semrau. Weber said he is impressed with Semrau's athleticism and ability to take outside shots, but that Carlwell may redshirt in hopes of improving his defensive ability.

"Success right now is just to be consistent and go hard," Randle said. "I think if we can do that we'll win games."