John Groce and the Illinois men's basketball program held its annual banquet on Monday night in Champaign.
Noticeably absent were Leron Black, Kendrick Nunn and Jaylon Tate as all three Illini players deal with their legal situations.
Mike Thorne Jr. was there, however, and the center, along with his coach, is still optimistic about a sixth year of eligibilty coming the big man's way.
What else is going on with the Illini?
Scott Richey has answers. Our beat writer will conduct his weekly chat starting at 12:30 p.m. today.