There were rumors circulating around Illini nation that NIU would be playing the University of Illinois in basketball this year. Although those rumors turned out to be false, Notre Dame and possibly Iowa will have to suffice for the Huskies this year in their non-conference schedule.

“[Illinois] can only avoid us for so long,” said NIU assistant coach Donald Whiteside, jokingly.

While Huskie head man Rob Judson would love to get his chance at the Illini, who passed him over in favor of Southern Illinois’ Bruce Weber for the head coaching job this year, the Huskies’ slate is certainly full with some big time programs.

Try, for instance, their trip to Hawaii, where the likes of Baylor, San Jose State, BYU and the host Warriors also will be there.

And, apparently the Huskies, along with everyone else in the MAC, will get their shot at one of ESPN’s Bracket Buster games this season, Judson said.

Then there are the Fighting Irish, who return stud freshman big man Torin Francis and all-American point guard Chris Thomas who bypassed the NBA to stick around in South Bend.

“It’s going to be pretty exciting [traveling to South Bend],” NIU forward Rome Sanders said. “They’ve got a lot of players coming back, and they are going to be one of the top teams in the country.”

Judson, as well, is excited about the trip to South Bend, but would’ve liked to see Thomas opt for the NBA.

“It will be a great experience for our guys,” Judson said. “We called every NBA team and told them how good Chris Thomas was, but he still decided to come back.”

And, if all goes well, NIU could be going up against coach Steve Alford and his Iowa squad when NIU competes in the Hawkeyes’ tournament. While the parings haven’t been set yet, Wisconsin Green Bay, Eastern Washington and the host Hawkeyes will compete.

Eastern Illinois and Illinois State both will be coming to NIU’s Convocation Center along with several other non-conference games. Official dates, times and schedules have not been released.

“Last year’s schedule was really good with a tough non-conference schedule,” Judson said. “But I think we’ve even stepped it up a notch with this one.”

Frank Rusnak is the sports editor for the Northern Star. To comment on this column, e-mail [email protected].