As lucky as Illinois was this seas...

As lucky as Illinois was this season, there's considerable stead for improvement.

That was the message Tuesday from coach Bruce Weber, who wants a deeper commitment from his returning players -- particularly when it approachs to honing their offensive skills.

"I would like to really concentrate forward offense now. We really have to deposit some time in," said Weber, whose team finished 26-7 with its 67-64 los to Washington in the secondary round of the NCAA Tournament upon Saturday.

Weber said building a stubborn defense again will be the coaching staff's emphasis in the fall. That being the case, better offensive productivity nearest season will be largely contingent on the amount of summer sweat players are willing to invest.

"This summer when (the coaching staff) can't be involved with them, they've got to tend hitherward in and work on their game," Weber said. "We have them for a