For UI basketball fans, waiting is the hardest part

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After routs of SIUE and NIU, Illinois on Saturday hosts ... Presbyterian College. But there are a few challenges awaiting the Illini. Beat writer Paul Klee examines when Illinois will dive into the deep end of its pre-Big Ten schedule:

Utah (1-1)

When and where: Friday, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas.

The good: Western in-state rivalry games don't attract the publicity of Louisville-Kentucky or, say, Xavier-Cincinnati. But the likes of New Mexico-New Mexico State (just ask Lou Henson) are just as competitive. And Utah's 68-67 win against Utah State was a good sign for the Utes, whose big lineup features three players 6-foot-10 or taller.

The bad: The Utes also lost to Idaho for the first time in 71 years. Utah insiders figured this would be a rebuilding year. Coach Jim Boylen had to replace their top four scorers and 70 percent of their scoring.

The worrisome: This will be the first game away from the Assembly Hall for freshmen Tyler Griffey, Brandon Paul and D.J. Richardson. Joseph Bertrand probably will be sidelined for the Vegas games, Bruce Weber said.

Advanced scouting: None on TV.

Level of difficulty (1-10): 2. Losing money at the blackjack tables is a bigger concern.

 

Oklahoma State (2-0)/Bradley (2-0)

When and where: Saturday, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas.

The good: Oklahoma State plays Bradley in the early semifinal at the Las Vegas Invitational. In the final, Illinois probably will face the Cowboys, a high-scoring team picked to finish sixth in the Big 12.

The bad: The tiny gym at the 2007 Maui Invitational was bustling with orange; Oklahoma State rivaled Illinois for the most fans. That figures to be the case in Las Vegas, too ... unless OSU fans are saving their frequent-flier miles for the football team's January bowl game.

The worrisome: Oklahoma State wing James Anderson would be the best player on Illinois' nonconference schedule. He'll cash in a hefty NBA paycheck after his junior season.

Advanced scouting: None on TV.

Level of difficulty: 6. Illinois rules these smaller preseason tournaments, winning titles under Weber in 2005 (South Padre), 2006 (Hoffman Estates) and 2008 (South Padre).

 

No. 22 Clemson (3-0)

When and where: Dec. 2 at Littlejohn Coliseum in Clemson, S.C.

The good: Clemson's frantic fullcourt pressure forced 28 turnovers in a rout of Liberty. That's cause for concern for a risk-reward Illinois backcourt. Rest up, Demetri McCamey. As the only proven ball handler, you could play close to 40 minutes.

The bad: There isn't much. Picked to finish third in the ACC, the Tigers are more athletic and deeper than last season's NCAA tournament squad.

The worrisome: Clemson won last season at Illinois and added what has been called the best recruiting class in school history.

Advanced scouting: vs. Texas A&M, Thursday (ESPN2).

Level of difficulty: 9. Illinois is 1-4 in ACC/Big Ten Challenge road games; Clemson is 5-0 at home. Advantage, Tigers.

 

Vanderbilt (1-0)

When and where: Dec. 8, the Assembly Hall.

The good: Brandon Paul, meet Jeff Taylor. Jeff, meet Brandon. A pair of riveting underclassmen clash in a juicy matchup. Vanderbilt returns all of its key players and spent a week in Australia for seasoning.

The bad: Illinois won last season at Vanderbilt in arguably the Illini's most important win. But that loss is also motivation for a Vanderbilt team that missed the postseason for the first time in five years.

The worrisome: Coach Kevin Stallings called freshman guard John Jenkins "the purest shooter I've had." That's high praise for the first five-star recruit to sign with Vanderbilt.

Advanced scouting: vs. Missouri, Dec. 2 (ESPNU).

Level of difficulty: 7. The 'Dores will either be riding high or laying low after competing in the Maui Invitational from Monday to Wednesday.

 

Missouri (1-0)

When and where: Dec. 23, Scottrade Center, St. Louis.

The good: Coach Mike Anderson countered Illinois' highly regarded 2010 recruiting class with one of his own. He signed the second- and third-rated players in the state of Texas, months after winning three games in the NCAA tournament.

The bad: Guard J.T. Tiller, their best player, suffered a foot injury in the opener and is expected to miss at least one game. And former star DeMarre Carroll now is averaging 19 minutes for the Memphis Grizzlies.

The worrisome: Illinois' record-setting streak in the Braggin' Rights series is at nine straight wins. As a UI assistant said last season, "It has to end at some point, doesn't it?"

Advanced scouting: vs. Oregon, Dec. 5 (ESPNU).

Level of difficulty: 7. Former players contend this one is always a tossup. "Everybody comes to play like they are playing for the national championship," James Augustine said last year.

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