Expectations for the Illini include Simpson

Rumblings around the Champaign-Urbana campus indicate Stan Simpson is eligible to play basketball this fall and is enrolling for the summer school session soon. The depleted Illini front line might need some help from Stan Simpson, that's for sure.

No word on where Brian Carlwell and Rodney Alexander might be headed, we'll just have to wait and see what happens this summer. Carlwell has been rumored to be headed to Lexington, and Rodney is probably looking around at this point.

I had read speculation that Calvin Brock might decide to not return to school, since he has already received his undergraduate degree. But we can expect to see Calvin return for his final year of eligibility this fall, and provide the Illini with valuable minutes with his excellent defense, rebounding and shooting.

Alex Legion is getting some valuable game experience in Poland this week, and I'll bet he's showing his shooting acumen and athleticism as well. He will be eligible to play for the Illini in December, from what I understand, and will probably become a fixture in the starting line-up.

My best guess at the Illini starting line-up once Legion is available: McCamey, Smith, Legion, Keller and Tisdale. Rotating in off the bench would be Frazier, Brock, Meacham, Jordan and Davis. Cole and Simpson will be looking to extend the rotation, or find a spot with shooting or defense. Am I forgetting anyone? I don't think so.

Calvin Brock talks trash at Purdue

After watching the Illini get manhandled in the second half at Purdue yesterday, I had no idea the inspiration for the Boilermakers was an Illini player talking trash going into the locker rooms. According to the Indy Star article, the player was Calvin Brock or Trent Meacham. My guess is it was Calvin, after noticing his trash talk at IU with Eric Gordon on Youtube.

Since our record is a losing one, maybe we should focus on playing a complete 40 minute game rather than talking trash.

Calvin Brock Coverage in the Tribune

Calvin Brock is becoming a leader on this year's basketball squad. According to Weber:

-Randle struggled in the Maryland game due to his injury the prior game.
-Pruitt has been hurting due to a hip pointer.

Tribune Article Link