John Groce took time the other day to praise now-eligible transfer Alex Austin for his work this offseason. In the midst of preparing the Fighting Illini's top 25 freshman class, it seems the former Eastern Illinois guard is making a positive impression on the head coach.
"He has really improved," Groce said. "He's picked up our defense vey quickly."
Austin looks to be a deep bench sub for the Illini this year. A former teammate of Tracy Abrams at Mount Caramel High School, he averaged 8.2 PPG in his previous two years at EIU. He also could give Illinois a solid boost from beyond the three point arc come November.