1. Illinois-Chicago

The Flames always have had a good program, but they've become a consistent postseason contender the past few seasons. After finishing the '06 season with an overall record of 35-26, the Flames made regional appearances in '07 and '08 with overall records of 35-21 and 35-22, respectively. With a wealth of talent back this spring, another postseason appearance likely is in store.

2. Southern Illinois

The Salukis have had a tough time reaching an NCAA regional the past few seasons, but they've compiled respectable regular-season campaigns. The Salukis finished the '06 season with an overall record of 33-25. They also went 34-22 in '07 and 34-23 in '08. Though SIU finished last season with a good overall record, it now must focus on finishing conference play in better standing.

3. Illinois

The Illini have finished in the top half of the Big Ten the past few seasons, but still leave something to be desired. Illinois finished the '06 season with an overall record of 29-29, but showed improvement the past two seasons with overall records of 31-27 and 31-25, respectively. The Illini obviously still have room for improvement, but aren't far away from being a postseason team.

4. Eastern Illinois

The Panthers have been far from great the past few seasons, but found a way to reach an NCAA regional last season with an overall record of 27-30. EIU finished the '07 season with an overall record of 23-38 and finished '06 with an overall record of 31-24. After recently making an NCAA regional, the Panthers now hope to establish some consistency.

5. Western Illinois

As with other teams in the Summit League, Western Illinois still is trying to compete with Oral Roberts for the conference crown. The Leathernecks finished last season with an overall record of 24-33. The previous two seasons, however, ended with much more success. WIU finished the '07 campaign with an overall record of 31-26 and finished '06 with an overall record of 32-32.

6. Northern Illinois

The Huskies have had trouble establishing consistency the past few seasons. After finishing the '06 season with an overall record of 24-31, NIU finished the '07 season with a respectable overall record of 34-24. After a promising '07 campaign, the Huskies declined again last season with a 28-26 record. Can the Huskies find a way to bounce back this spring?

7. Bradley

The Braves are breaking in new coach Elvis Dominguez this spring, but turning the program into a postseason contender likely will be a tough chore. The Braves finished last season with an overall record of 26-28. They also finished the '07 season with an overall record of 32-21 and went 26-31 in '06.

8. Northwestern

The Big Ten continues to improve and Northwestern soon hopes to join the party. The Wildcats have experienced little success the past few seasons. They finished last season with an overall record of 21-28. They also finished the '07 campaign with an overall record of 18-36 and the '06 season with an overall record of 26-33. The Wildcats soon hope to find ways to improve.

9. Illinois State

The Redbirds have experienced very little success the past few seasons, but hope to turn the tide with former Tulane assistant Mark Kingston now the program's head coach designate. The Redbirds finished last season with an overall record of 22-30. They also finished the '07 season with an overall record of 20-32 and '06 with an overall record of 20-33.

10. Chicago State

To say the least, the Cougars have some work to do to become a respectable program in the state of Illinois. Chicago State finished last season with an overall record of 8-42. They also finished the previous two seasons with dismal overall records of 4-53 and 7-44.