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Fighting Illini basketball had their annual marketing photo shoot on Thursday. Team Twitter accounts provided us with some cool pictures of Malcolm Hill screaming, and we also received our first glimpse of newcomers Te'Jon Lucas and Kipper Nichols wearing the Orange and Blue. The two freshmen will wear No. 3 and No. 2, respectively.
Freshmen looking good in & . #Illini @too_smoove23 @kipset7 pic.twitter.com/OYzyWWhvup
— Illini Basketball (@IlliniMBB) July 7, 2016
There's obviously still several months between now and the start of the season, but both Lucas and Nichols will likely see plenty of playing time. John Groce has already had some high praise for Nichols' worth ethic, in particular.
Illinois Fighting Illini Links
- Brandon Paul joining 76ers for Las Vegas Summer League (TCR)
The Brandon Paul summer league domination tour continues, or is expected to at least. Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders reports that Paul will be joining No. 1 overall pick Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers in Las Vegas for summer league play.
- Minnesota Twins promote Tyler Jay to AA affiliate (TCR)
Jay, who MLBpipeline.com has ranked as the No. 2 prospect in the Twins organization, will look to continue his success as the competition level increases in the AA ranks.
- Lunt, Smoot, Vaughn representing Illini at Big Ten Media Days (TCR)
It's no surprise that Lunt and Smoot were selected for this, but Vaughn's inclusion is relatively eye-opening because he'll be the only sophomore out of 42 total players. Media Days have traditionally been for select upperclassmen, so this is quite a vote of confidence from the coaching staff.