Weber State Preview

Weber State should not be underestimated by the Illini, even though they have themselves back at the friendly Assembly Hall for a game. Weber State made the NCAA tourney last year and are coached by highly respected Randy Rahe. Weber State has a bunch of new players this year, after losing two starters, David Patten and Dan Henry. Juan Pablo Silveira is a highly rated guard, who averaged 11 points per game last season and shot 45 percent from three point range (better shooter than any Illini). Weber State's leading scorer thus far has been Arturas Valeika, a 6-9 forward from Lithuania. Valeika has been averaging 14.8 points per game this season for the Wildcats.

The Illini will need good perimeter pressure today. Three of the Wildcats are shooting better than 50% from three point range this season: Billings, Valeika and Van Brocklin are all hot from outside in the early season.

Illinois represents one of three key non-conference games this year for the Wildcats in building their tourney resume. Other games are with BYU and New Mexico.

The Sporting News rates the Weber State Wildcats as the number three team in the Big Sky conference this year. The Wildcats are coming off a blowout at the hands of Utah, 72-52.

For the Illini, they need to get Randle, Pruitt and Frazier back on track, and continue the strong play of Brock and Alexander. If they go deep in their rotation, it would be good to see more of Tisdale, Cole and Davis.