Feb. 13--CHAMPAIGN -- "Showtime," Illinois guard Rayvonte Rice wrote on Twitter.
The tweet sent hours before tip off against Michigan on Thursday night hinted that Rice would be back from a long stint on the sideline with injury and a suspension. Less than two hours before the game, Illinois issued a statement confirming that its star player was ineed returning.
"I am pleased with the progess Rayvonte has made," coach John Groce said in a statement. "He has learned from his situation and we are ready to move forward."
Conversely, Aaron Cosby remains suspended and has been asked by Groce to "take some time away from basketball this week," according to the statement.
Groce noted that Cosby is still part of the team.
But Rice's return had a the State Farm Center buzzing.
The Wolverines already face a team with a three-game win streak. A sellout crowd at State Farm Center, participating in an "orange out," will already be electric.
Rice's return is timely, indeed.
He averaged a team-high 17.2 points and 6.9 rebounds per game before breaking his left in early January and undergoing surgery. He was then declared as suspended on Jan. 31 for violating an undisclosed team rule.
He has not played since a loss on Jan. 3 at Ohio State, where he scored 20 points.
Rice also wrote on Twitter: "Missed being out der wit my squad!! Now let's turnup n go get this W #illinination."
In the first meeting at Michigan, a 73-65 loss in overtime, Rice was held to 3-for-11 shooting for eight points.
With Rice's return, Illinois will have to balance a lineup of players who have jelled lately without him and learned to play without leaning on their star.
sryan@tribpub.com
