By Alan Liang
Gargoyle staff reporter
Posted Sunday, Nov. 19, 2006, The OG, sports

Mike Renner vs. Unity last year (click to enlarge)

WHEN THE ILLINEKS begin their 2006-07 season Monday night at Kenney Gym against Buckley Christ Lutheran, Uni fans will notice many familiar faces missing. No Al Renner or Austin Berger or Ben Sims or Daniel Jacobs. The list could go on, all members of a class that won more basketball games over a three-year span than any other class in Uni history. So what can Illinek fans expect from this year's team?

— 2005-06 varsity recap: Last year's 22-6 season ended the reign of the most successful class in Uni boys basketball history. Led by career scoring leader Al Renner (1,372 points), the Class of 2006 won more games over two years (45 games) and three years (60 games) than any other group.

— Head coach: Joel Beesley is returning to coach his 12th year of boys basketball.

— Key returning players: Of the 11 varsity players from last year, only two are returning: senior Michael Belmont and junior Mike Renner. Renner is the only returning starter. However, many of last year's JV players, including juniors Chumar Williams, Isaac Radnitzer, Austin Rundus, and senior Jeremy Pillow, will be looking to step up.

— From the coach: “We are a young team,” says Beesley. “We'll see how things will work out.”

— Outlook: The team has speed, quickness, and some perimeter shooting ability but is somewhat undersized. Look for the team to mature and improve as the season progresses.

— Quoteworthy: “We don't have much size, but we have a lot of athletes who have speed.” — Jeremy Pillow

— First game: 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 20, Uni vs. Buckley Christ Lutheran, Kenney Gym (part of the Turkey Tournament, co-hosted by Uni).

— 2006-07 schedule: Click here.