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The Illini return all five of their starters for the first time
since the 2000-01 season. Illinois boasted a 26-7 overall record in
2003-04, while claiming its first outright conference title in 52
seasons, with a record of 13-3. Under first-year head coach Bruce
Weber, the Illini also advanced to the NCAA regional semifinals,
marking the program's third Sweet 16 appearance in the past four
years. With the return of all five starters, Michigan State
follows Illinois in the preseason poll with a second-place showing.
In 2003-04, the Spartans posted their seventh straight season of 10
or more wins in conference play, finishing with a record of 12-4 to
tie for second place in the Big Ten standings. MSU wrapped up the
2003-04 season advancing to the NCAA Tournament for the seventh
consecutive year under head coach Tom Izzo.
The Wisconsin Badgers, guided by fourth-year head coach Bo Ryan,
have been picked at the No. 3 preseason slot. The Badgers produced a
record of 12-4 in the Big Ten last season to place second, ending
the school's hopes for a third straight conference title. Wisconsin
bounced back by winning its first Big Ten Tournament crown and
advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament for the third
straight year. The Badgers return seven letter winners from last
year's squad, including three of the team's top five scorers.
Illinois' Williams was tabbed Preseason Player of the Year after
leading the league in assists (6.17 pg) for the second straight
season. He is just the third Big Ten player ever to lead the
conference in assists in each of his first two seasons, joining an
elite list that includes Michigan State's Magic Johnson (1978-79)
and Illinois' Bruce Douglas (1983-84). Williams also finished among
the league's top 10 in scoring (14.0 pg), 3-point field goal
percentage (.394) and 3-point field goals made (2.54 pg) last season
while earning first-team all-Big Ten honors.
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 With Williams honored this year, it marks the fifth consecutive
season that Illinois has claimed at least a share of Preseason
Player of the Year honors. Current teammate Dee Brown was honored
last year, preceded by Brian Cook in 2002, Frank Williams in 2001
and Cory Bradford in 2000.
Joining Williams on the Big Ten Preseason All-Conference team are
Brown, Indiana's Bracey Wright, Michigan State's Paul Davis and
Wisconsin's Mike Wilkinson. Davis joins Williams as the only
first-team returnees from last season, while Brown, Wright and
Wilkinson were named to the second team. Brown, Wilkinson and
Williams also claimed 2004 All-Big Ten Tournament honors.
2004-05 Big Ten top three preseason
picks
(Team, 2003-04 final records)
1. Illinois, 26-7, 13-3 Big Ten (first)
2. Michigan State, 18-12, 12-4 Big Ten (tied for second)
3. Wisconsin, 25-7, 12-4 Big Ten (tied for second)
2004-05 Big Ten Preseason
All-Conference Team
(Player, 2003-04 final stats)
- Dee Brown, Illinois, junior, G, 13.3 ppg, 4.45 apg, 1.55 spg,
2.26 A/TO ratio
- Paul Davis, Michigan State, junior, C, 15.8 ppg, 6.2 rpg, .568
FG pct.
- Mike Wilkinson, Wisconsin, sophomore, F, 13.1 ppg, 6.8 rpg,
1.62 spg, 1.28 bpg
- Deron Williams, Illinois, junior, G, 14.0 ppg, 6.17 apg, 1.03
spg, 2.47 A/TO ratio
- Bracey Wright, Indiana, junior, G, 18.5 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.4 apg
2004-05 Big Ten Preseason Player of
the Year
Deron Williams, Illinois
[Big Ten Conference
news release] |
