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Posted: Wednesday November 03, 1999 12:58 PM

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Illinois

1998-99 record

14-18, 3-13 Big Ten

Coach

Lon Kruger, 59-38 (3 years at Illinois), 296-223 overall (17 years)

Projected starting lineup

F Sergio McClain, 6-3, Jr. Played every position except center but should benefit from staying in one spot. F Damir Krupalija, 6-8, So. was the team’s top rebounder (5.5) despite averaging only 19.0 minutes per game. C Marcus Griffin, 6-9, Jr. Division II Junior College Player of the Year expected to be one of the league’s top newcomers. G Cory Bradford, 6-2, So. Big Ten Freshman of the Year shot 41.5 percent from 3-point range but just 38.7 percent overall in leading the Illini in scoring (15.4 ppg). G Frank Williams, G, 6-3 McDonald’s All-American practiced with the Illini last season as a partial academic qualifier.

Top guy off the bench

G Cleotis Brown, 6-4, Sr., Started 29 games last season and was the second-leading scorer (9.2 ppg).

Key Newcomer

F Brian Cook, 6-10, Fr., Lincoln, Ill., resident joins Griffin and Williams as McDonald’s All-Americans on the Illini’s roster.

Key Games

Nov. 30 vs. Duke Dec. 4 vs. Maryland Dec. 18 vs. Kansas

Outlook

The Illini, who lost 13 games by six points or less last season, got a confidence boost by reaching the Big Ten tournament final last season, upsetting Minnesota, Indiana and Ohio State along the way. Illinois got some more experience by playing exhibitions in Australia after last season. The Illini return all five starters, but two (Brown, F Victor Chukwudebe) are expected to replaced by the additions of Williams and Griffin.

Illini 1999-00 Schedule

 

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