"Being a hero is about the shortest profession on this earth" -- Will Rogers

Illinois players took turns in the interview chair Monday and Tuesday in preparation for the WCIA Basketball Preview Special, which airs Nov. 16. The Illini team reflected its coach -- confident, team-oriented, goal-driven.

Iveta Marcauskaite, who speaks four languages and has plans to possibly learn two more, talked about why she came to Illinois. In the end she said, "In talking to the coaches, looking at them face-to-face, I knew our goals were the same -- to win the 'Big Championship'"

Allison Curtin, who was voted First Team All-Big Ten by both the coaches and media, was sincere when she said, "My entire focus is on the team. If the team does well, then my individual honors will take care of itself. I'm just concentrating on team goals."

Media and fans alike continue to talk about the Illinois schedule, which could include three of the four Final Four teams from last year. Many in her profession might think she's nuts for scheduling such a challenging non-conference schedule. "The players that we brought in this year could have gone to any school in the country," Grentz responded. "They chose Illinois with the understanding that they are going to play the best schools in the country and that's exactly what we're going to do."

As far as practice is concerned, the focus today was on defense, working on two- and three-player situations. The emphasis offensively is on working together with and on becoming more profiencent in the outside shot.

Less than two weeks to the season opener with a tough Clemson team, Coach Grentz was cognizant today in focusing on the team on being ready for such a tough opening game, making sure the team understood that every hour of every practice is crucial to that readiness.

Ashley Berggren coming to Champaign Ashley Berggren will return to the Assembly Hall playing floor for the first time as a member of the Reebok Lady Stars. Tip-off is 2 p.m. Sunday.