Revamped Illinois roster chasing chemistry, faces Eastern Illinois

Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts against the Connecticut Huskies in the finals of the East Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images For the third year in a row, Illinois welcomes Eastern Illinois to kick off the season.

But as the Fighting Illini prepare for Monday’s game in Champaign, Ill., they bear almost no resemblance to last season’s group.

The Illini retain just two scholarship players — guards Ty Rodgers and Dravyn Gibbs-Lawhorn — and 9.6 percent of their scoring from last year’s Elite Eight squad.

Head coach Brad Underwood reloaded with 10 new players, including three freshmen attractive to NBA scouts — point guard Kasparas Jakucionis, wing Will Riley […].

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