CHAMPAIGN, Ill. _ While recovering from a second season-ending injury, Illinois point guard Tracy Abrams dived into some books for inspiration.
"The Hard Hat: 21 Ways to Be a Great Teammate" and "The Alchemist" have themes of personal strength that Abrams said he took to heart.
"They talk a lot about positivity and stuff like that," Abrams said Friday at Illinois' media day. "That's where I got my energy from."
After stepping away from posing for team photos, Abrams' smile didn't fade as he was asked repeatedly about his health.
A torn right ACL suffered during a skills workout in September 2014 sidelined Abrams for the entirety of what would have been his senior season. After working his way back, Abrams tore his left Achilles tendon in July 2015 and sat out again last season.
As rare as sixth-year seniors are, Illinois has two of them in Abrams and center Mike Thorne Jr., who missed all but eight games last season with a torn meniscus in his left knee. They'll provide the Illini with veteran experience and depth they lacked last season.
Coach John Groce has always called Abrams a "bulldog."
"He brings an energy level to the practice, a competitiveness, a no-excuses approach," Groce said. "He understands what we want. He understands terminology.
"Where he's come from when I first met him until now _ in terms of his understanding of the game, understanding of selflessness, putting your teammates in position to be successful, checking your ego at the door _ it's like having an old man out there."
Indeed, Abrams will have earned two master's degrees by the time he finishes his Illinois career. To fans who saw him enter as a freshman from Chicago's Mount Carmel High School in 2011, it seems like he should have a Ph.D.
Last season, Illinois used a point-guard-by-committee approach without much success. Abrams' return and the addition of freshman Te'Jon Lucas offer needed depth at the position.
Abrams played his last game in March 2014, scoring six points against Clemson in the NIT. He averaged 10.7 points and 3.2 assists that season. Groce said Abrams' testing in speed, strength and vertical jump is better than it was before his injuries.
As much as they need him on the court to distribute the ball, the Illini can use Abrams' leadership off the court as well. Lucas said Abrams texts him to make sure he's at class and to see if he needs a ride to practice.
"Tracy is a real good leader," Lucas said. "I've learned a lot from him, so next year when he's gone, I can be a leader myself."
Abrams called the two seasons he sat on the bench a learning experience. He's ready to get back on the court when Illinois opens its season Nov. 11 against Southeast Missouri State.
"I'm at a great place right now," he said. "It feels good to be in this position ... back to influencing the guys and them influencing me. I basically live day to day. I feel like I've gotten a lot better, but talk is cheap."
