Keller brings veteran presence

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CHAMPAIGN – The only scholarship senior on a team boosted by four talented freshmen, Illinois forward Dominique Keller often finds himself surrounded by questions about the rookies.

“I’m happy for the freshmen, and they bring a lot of attention to the program,” Keller said.

“But sometimes it does seem disrespectful. ... I hang out with those guys, and it’s extra motivation for me. I sometimes play with a chip on my shoulder.”

Heading into his final season, the native of Port Arthur, Texas, would prefer to start and finish his career as the star. Who wouldn’t? But he’s also realistic. Keller knows it’s more about finishing than starting.

If the starting lineup already has its key ingredients – junior point guard Demetri McCamey for scoring and ballhandling, freshman guard D.J. Richardson for defense, and juniors Mike Davis and Mike Tisdale inside – it leaves one starting position open.

Junior Alex Legion and freshman Brandon Paul, who are heating up from the 3-point line, remain the most likely options, but Keller also wants to start in his final season. A mobile big man would give coach Bruce Weber some flexibility.

“Whether you start or not, it’s what you do when you get in there and who finishes the game,” Weber said.

Freshman guard Joseph Bertrand’s status for Sunday’s exhibition game and long-term prognosis remained uncertain because of continual swelling in his knee. Bertrand already had the knee drained several times, Weber said, after Bertrand underwent cartilage surgery in September.

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