5 O'Clock Shadow

You can tell a lot about an athlete by the number on their uniform.

Illinois baseball outfielder Willie Argo appreciates the game's history and wears No. 42 out of respect for Jackie Robinson. As a fifth-year senior, former basketball forward Jerry Hester gave his No. 40 to freshman guard Sergio McClain, and a selfless 1997-98 squad later won the Big Ten. Basketball forward Dominique Keller wears No. 23 because it's the sign of a good player.

"There's a lot of pressure wearing No. 23, because if you're a bum, they're going to let you know," Keller said. "Michael Jordan was far from a bum."

Next season the freshmen backcourt trio of D.J. Richardson, Joseph Bertrand and Brandon Paul will suit up for Illinois basketball. The guards have chosen uniform Nos. 1 (D.J. Richardson), 2 (Joseph Bertrand) and 3 (Brandon Paul) to begin their college careers. Freshman forward Tyler Griffey will wear No. 42, his number in high school.

In Sunday's News-Gazette and on HQ, we'll tell you why Illinois athletes choose the numbers they do.

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