Good Morning, Illini Nation: Finding leadership

Welcome to “Good Morning, Illini Nation,” your daily dose of college basketball news from Illini beat writer and AP Top 25 voter Scott Richey. He’ll offer up insights every morning on Brad Underwood’s team and college basketball at large:

Summer workouts have taken on new importance for Illinois this offseason with just two returning players (Ty Rodgers and Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn), five incoming transfers and five freshmen. Building chemistry on the court now will pay off in November and beyond, but this is also a time where someone can take a stab at leading the new-look Illini.

Rodgers is an obvious choice. The junior guard/forward started every game last season and has more experience playing for Brad Underwood than anyone else on the roster. But other leaders could emerge.

"I think we're starting to see even some of the new guys really step forward," Underwood said. "Kylan (Boswell) is starting to feel comfortable. Now, it's more guys leading by example. This group has worked really hard. Really impressed with their commitment."

Underwood named veterans like Evansville transfer Ben Humrichous and Louisville transfer Tre White as potential leaders. Gibbs-Lawhorn is also a contender even as a sophomore. Because he also has more feel for what's expected.

"Dravyn is ultra competitive and now knows," Underwood said. "No one works harder than Dravyn. I think we're starting to see everybody feel comfortable, and that will progress as the summer goes on."