Illinois Fighting Illini NCAA Basketball News

The staff of Writing Illini gives their opinions about which player needs to turn the most heads at the 2013 NBA Combine on Thursday and Friday.

Illinois' D.J. Richardson defends against Minnesota's Joe Coleman during a Big Ten game in Champaign, Ill., Jan.

The staff of Writing Illini gives their opinions about the Fighting Illini's newest transfer Darius Paul .

The staff of Writing Illini gives their opinions about Illinois point guard Brandon Paul.

The 7-foot-1 big man out of Illinois, selected by Portland with the 11th pick in the 2012 NBA draft, appeared in 69 games last season, showing athleticism and flashes of potential while averaging 5.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, 0.55 blocks in 17.5 minutes a night.

Position: C Height/Weight: 7-1/251 NBA experience: One season 2012-13 salary: $2,126,520 Contract status: Leonard will be in the second year of his rookie contract that pays him $2.2 million.

Though the Fighting Illini may have lost their two best players, as well as both their power forwards, the addition of a five-man freshman class and at least two incoming transfers makes the 2013-14 season a promising one in my mind.

Source: espn.go.com --- Saturday, May 04, 2013Western Michigan freshman forward Darius Paul announced on Twitter on Saturday that he will follow in his older brother Brandon's footsteps and transfer to Illinois.

Iowa Coach Fran McCaffery gives a statement during an NIT press conference Monday, April 1, 2013 at the Marriott Marquis in New York.

Illinois, however, will be without three starters and one key reserve in 2013-14. There will need to be emerging players to take over for Brandon Paul and D.J. Richardson, while others need to do the dirty work of Sam , or stretch the defense as Tyler Griffey did.

The Mid-American Conference Freshman of the Year said he did not know where he will transfer, but has been granted an unconditional release by WMU.

Aficionados of the slam dunk found plenty to enjoy during the 2012-13 college basketball season.