Why Illinois Basketball Is CJ Moore's Preseason Pick for No. 1

The Athletic's CJ Moore makes the case for the Illini as college basketball's top team heading into next season, citing rare roster continuity and a Final Four foundation.​

Mike Cagley, IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular Co-Host

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — For the first time in decades, Illinois basketball enters a season with genuine national championship expectations. And according to The Athletic's CJ Moore, who covers college hoops for the Athletic, that hype is earned.

In a May 30 rankings column, Moore placed Illinois atop his post-NBA draft top 25, edging out Florida in what he called "kind of a . . .

 

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