Kirk Penny has helped Wisconsin get off to a 10-2 start this season.

Wisconsin at No. 11 Illinois

GAME TIME:	Saturday, 3 p.m. ET
LAST MEETING:	Illinois 80, Wisconsin 48 (Jan. 23, 2002)
SERIES:	Illinois leads, 100-65

Illinois and Wisconsin were two of four teams to share the Big Ten title last season. But this season, few expected so much so soon from this year's Illini, while all the Badgers have done is changed their style, not their substance.

Illinois is one well-coached team, not to mention, one tough team. Because of the great attention to detail of its coaching staff, and the maturation of Brian Cook, the Illini can challenge for a third straight share of the Big Ten title.

What does Wisconsin have to do to get noticed? The Badgers have lost to Wake Forest and Marquette, but they do return 4 of the top 5 scorers from last year's championship squad. We seem to want Wisconsin to prove itself before the Badgers can slip into the rankings. The Badgers get that chance in the Big Ten. The start of its title defense will be tough, with three of Wisconsin's first Big Ten games on the road.

Illinois Breakdown: Illinois is a very good defensive team, playing straight man-to-man with strong help principles and occasional double teams. The Illini guard the ball straight up, with minimal switching, and rebound very well to end defensive possessions. Illinois will throw some 1-2-2 halfcourt zone at opponents, a 1-2-2¾-court press, and some 2-2-1 or 1-2-1-1 presses as well. Illinois does a great job of scouting, and tries to take away the strengths of an opponent, pushing them out of their comfort zone.

On the offensive end, Illinois runs motion, with multiple-option sets that include high-low looks, staggers, flare action, and screen-the-screener action. The Illini run a good secondary break, but the primary focus of the offensive schemes is to get the ball inside first, then look out.

The freshmen guards have made a big difference in the attitude and look of this team. Dee Brown is one of the quickest players in America and is an absolute blur going end to end. Brown (14 ppg, 4.5 assists, 49 percent FGs) can shoot it, although he can be streaky, and he is a vocal leader. Illinois takes its identity from Brown, who gives the team a very upbeat outlook and is fun to play with. The other fresh face, Deron Williams (7 ppg, 4.6 assists), gives Bill Self two point guards to play at the same time, and whoever takes the outlet can advance the ball upcourt. Williams is powerful, a solid handler and a very capable defender. Another freshman, big man James Augustine, is going to be a terrific player. Augustine is a fine athlete who can run and jump, getting off his feet quickly for second and third efforts. He has great hands, changes ends quickly, and is fearless.

Sean Harrington provides a tremendous weapon with his 3-point ability. He hits standstill 3s like most players hit free throws. Harrington (53 percent on 3-pointers) is strictly a 3-point threat and must be made to put the ball on the floor to limit his effectiveness. He can demoralize teams by hitting 3s off of an offensive rebound relocation pass.

Still, the key to Illinois is the play and leadership of senior Brian Cook. Cook has been often criticized for having great talent but not being aggressive in his use of that talent. Cook has matured into a great senior leader, and should be considered for national player of the year honors. Long armed and athletic, Cook can step away and shoot the ball. He has been remarkably consistent, averaging over 20 points and 8 rebounds, while shooting over 55 percent from the field. He leads the Big Ten in scoring, and is in the top five in rebounding, field goal shooting and free throw shooting.

Illinois is Brian Cook's team, and he is a great example of what senior leaders are all about.

Wisconsin Outlook: Bo Ryan has done a marvelous job of transforming this program into a more versatile offensive team, and the Badgers are hard to guard. Ryan has gone to a smaller lineup, which has increased quickness, handling ability and passing. But has also added vulnerability in the post and on the glass. Ryan runs an offense he likes to call the "swing offense", which is primarily a continuity offense that incorporates a lot of post-up plays. Wisconsin seems to put almost every player in the post, so even guards have to be prepared to play post defense against the Badgers.

Wisconsin's best player is senior guard Kirk Penney, a multi-dimensional scorer. Penney has spot-up shooting ability, an excellent shot-fake, and the ability to put the ball on the floor. He can drive baseline, finish at the rim, and can post a guard. He also likes to cut hard to the basket off of his own post feeds. Penney averages over 16 points on 46-percent shooting and he hits 37 percent of his 3-pointers.

Devin Harris, one of the surprise freshman successes of a year ago, is having a quietly efficient season. Harris is averaging 16 points, shooting over 53 percent from the floor, and over 51 percent from deep. Harris has a great shooting stroke, and looks aggressively for his shot. He has good quickness, is very good off the dribble, and can create his own shot. On defense, Harris looks for steals and is prone to gamble. Freddie Owens is athletic, talented, and is another Badger who can hit from three. He is also good off the dribble, has a good mid-range game, and can shoot pull-ups and floaters. Owens averages 14 points on 47-percent shooting and is very talented.

Inside, Ryan relies upon Alando Tucker, Mike Wilkinson and Dave Mader. Tucker is a 6-5 forward who is very athletic and mature physically. Tucker is a good rebounder, and very active on the offensive glass. Wilkinson is now coming off of the bench, and provides a capable big man with very good hands and rebounding ability. Mader is a 7-footer who loves contact.

Key Matchup: Dee Brown vs. Devin Harris
Brown Illinois	Brown did not have his best game in his first Big Ten road contest at Minnesota. He scored only five points, but will be much better against Wisconsin. Brown is faster that just quick, and has great ability. There aren't five better freshman guards in the country. Harris is the picture of efficiency. He is knocking down his shots, and looking to score at every opportunity. Harris will try and post a smaller guard, and if Brown is on him, Harris will get him down on the block.	Harris Wisconsin

Key Stat
Rebounding and Loose Balls
Illinois is a very capable rebounding team, but not as strong as they have been in recent seasons. Wisconsin may have gone smaller, but the Badgers still still have to rebound the ball. Rebounds will be available, and who corrals the most will win. Illinois has done a great job this season of getting the 50-50 balls, the times when the ball is up for grabs. If Wisconsin can get those loose balls, the Badgers can win on the road.

What to Watch For
Brian Cook's mature game
Cook is not floating out on the perimeter as much, and is going inside and doing tough things. He anchors his game in the post, then after establishing himself, can step away and exploit matchups. His numbers reflect his increased efficiency and maturity, and he has put himself in position to be the Big Ten Player of the Year. I have great respect for Cook and the way he is playing the game.