CHAMPAIGN – These won't be Harry Combes' 100-point numbers, but scoring production should return to Illini-like levels for Bruce Weber's quintet in 2009-10.

The output dropped under 65 points per game the last three seasons after seven straight years of 70 or better. The 2005 NCAA runners-up averaged 77.

Based on Sunday's Orange & Blue Scrimmage outpouring at the Assembly Hall – 171 points in 32 minutes – Illinois has a bevy of jump-shooting deadeyes. No Brian Randle or Shaun Pruitt in this bunch. Chester Frazier is gone. From 20 feet and in, the guards are accurate and the big guys no less so. Based on Mike Tisdale's 81.3 percent free throw accuracy in Big Ten games last year, the 7-foot-1 center might be the designated shooter on technical fouls.

No, free throw shooting isn't a problem anymore. But getting to the line is. And that's a major concern for a team that ranked low nationally in that category last year. Jump shooters don't draw free throws. They don't get opponents in foul trouble. Alex Legion, red-hot Sunday, recorded six treys and 28 points but no singles.

Drawing fouls is a much-needed area of improvement if this team is to top the 24 triumphs of a year ago. And that's just one area of concern.

"Who's gonna guard?" Weber asks anyone who will listen. Interior defense is average at best, and the choice of a freshman, D.J. Richardson, as the top perimeter defender reveals more than Illini fans want to know.

Weber also might be wondering: "Who's gonna get offensive rebounds?" Neither of the big guys, Davis and Tisdale, averaged even two offensive boards as sophomores.

These shortcomings may not be apparent in most of the early November-December games, but they'll be critical when the tightly-played Big Ten contests roll around. And even if highly-athletic freshmen can help in these areas, remember this: (1) Trent Meacham improved dramatically and combined with Frazier to provide solid "D" at their positions and (2) Frazier averaged more boards than Tisdale, 4.8 to 4.0.

Room to improve

Richardson and Brandon Paul are expected to help in areas of concern mentioned above. They aren't refined as yet but, as penetrators with explosiveness, they should ultimately bloom as more rounded players than anyone else on this squad. They have, in baseball terms, five-tool potential.

Richardson has locked up a starting slot in Friday's exhibition opener with Missouri Southern. Tisdale and Mike Davis are unchallenged up front, McCamey has added a medium jumper while upgrading his playmaking skills, and Legion has taken the first step in proving he can carry his hot-shooting act into game pressure.

That leaves the question: What to do with Dominique Keller? The 6-foot-7 Texan saw action at three positions Sunday and, as the only senior on scholarship, would like to start. He played well Sunday, cashing 21 points and shooting eight free throws. He could play 20-plus minutes even if he doesn't start.

"Keller is active and he has a knack for scoring," Weber said Sunday. "He rebounds and he gets to the line."

Weber added further that "we can't have too many chiefs; we also need workers."

Keller comes to mind in that regard, as does the oft-overlooked Jeff Jordan. Stats show Jordan came off the bench and, almost unnoticed, matched McCamey's 11 assists Sunday. He is a facilitator and perhaps the best outcourt defender for a coach who is "looking for workers."

Anyone's guess

Where does Illinois fit in the Big Ten?

It is here that we run into conflicting thoughts. First, last year's team overachieved and Purdue didn't, thus allowing the UI to grab a share of second place in the Big Ten at 11-7. With Robbie Hummel's back problems resolved, Purdue is more highly regarded and, in Thursday's Big Ten meetings in Chicago, will be ranked 1-2 or 2-1 with Michigan State.

Then we have fast-rising Minnesota and a more healthy Ohio State, which will use the league's best player, Evan Turner, at point now that crack forward David Lighty is back. Throw in long overdue Michigan and don't overlook a Penn State team that has beaten Illinois five of eight (yes, Talor Battle is back), and it appears that the challenges will be greater this season in an improving conference.

Loren Tate writes for The News-Gazette. He can be reached at ltate@news-gazette.com.