CENTER

Mike Tisdale

As the lone 7-footer, Tisdale is the tallest player on the Illini roster. He’s being asked to use his hook shot more often this year, but said he hasn’t been confident enough to use it in games. He will open the season as the starting center but needs to show he won’t back down from stronger, more physical opponents – and most will be stronger.

Richard Semrau

Perhaps the most improved big man on the roster, Semrau may wiggle himself into minutes this season. Semrau has a wider frame than Tisdale, is also mobile and has shown in the preseason that he can score when he needs to. The important question is whether he has been a fluke. Weber wants to see Semrau playing in March, not just November.

Stan Simpson

There’s been talk that Simpson could redshirt this season, giving him a fifth year of eligibility. But Simpson says he’s ready to play now. The situation will resolve soon and either way, this most likely isn’t his year.

FORWARD

Mike Davis

Davis is the most athletic of the forwards and has stepped up as the team’s most consistent shooter against preseason opposition, guards included. He’ll be a midrange threat against any team and should block a lot of shots.

Calvin Brock

Brock is listed as a guard but figures to get a lot of time at forward this season. He’s not a lights-out shooter, but is malleable and finds openings. His length is key here, giving Weber the flexibility to match Brock against taller and stronger opposition. If other forwards don’t produce, expect to see Brock on the floor with three other guards.

Dominique Keller

Keller has been a big part of the Illini’s plans since transferring from Lee College in Texas over the summer. He and coaches are still trying to figure out how his game translates against top talent, but Keller has a wide body, a rare commodity. Nobody expects another Rodney Alexander here, but Keller’s first few weeks have been difficult for him.

Bill Cole

He missed most of last season with a leg injury and has been slowed in the preseason by an ankle sprain. Cole is quick and has a decent jump shot – he worked out with guards during the summer – but he might not find playing time early in the season.

C.J. Jackson

Back from a year with the football team, Jackson doesn’t figure to see much playing time this season. But he’s a big body at 265 pounds and, in a pinch, could be serviceable in the paint.

GUARD

Demetri McCamey

On good days, McCamey is the Illini’s most dynamic playmaker. At the end of last season, he was a legitimate leader and a big reason why Illinois made it to the Big Ten title game. He steps up on the biggest stages, something all teams need. But on the worse days, usually practices, he slacks off. He’s bearing a heavy load for a sophomore.

Chester Frazier

The only lock-down defender on the team, Frazier has earned his minutes doing things that don’t always show up on stat sheets. He’s a coach’s dream in that respect and pushes himself and his teammates in practice. He’s not a consistent offensive threat even though he can hit threes. It’s just not his game.

Trent Meacham

A shooter and a leader, Meacham knows what it takes to contribute on this level. He has made a living behind the three-point arc in the past, but when his legs get tired there’s no plan B. Otherwise, he’s got a solid stroke.

Jeff Jordan

He’s fast and is no-nonsense on the court, and even though his game is similar to teammate Chester Frazier’s, his athleticism sets him apart. Hard-nosed play could get him increased minutes this year, and Jordan’s working to improve a midrange jumper. He could plug some holes if other lineups aren’t working.

Alex Legion

He’s only played in six games at the collegiate level, but the transfer from Kentucky will find a role once he’s eligible to play in late December. If Illinois is struggling by then, Weber worries Legion will have to be a savior. He may not be ready for that yet.