Preseason practices can be grueling.

They are the longest practices of the year and are often the most confusing — especially with a new coaching staff and new system.

The Illinois men's basketball team has found a way to get through the negative aspects of early season practices and have fun — by keeping things loose.

"At this time we are going three to three-and-a-half hours at a very high intensity level," Illinois senior guard Jerrance Howard said. "But at the same time we need to keep a level head and crack jokes to make it go by faster. It's a lot more fun that way."

The team's attitude was easily spotted at a recent practice. Freshman center Aaron Spears hit a jump shot and left his shooting hand in the air as he stood right on top of freshman Warren Carter, making sure Carter noticed Spears hit his shot. Any time a player hit a shot or stole the basketball, several players clapped, hooted or hollered.

Illinois head coach Bruce Weber noticed the team's intensity and for the most part feels it has translated into good practices.

"The first two days they really had a lot of energy; they played hard," Weber said. "They like competing hard, they like to get after each other."

Tuesday the team had the day off. Weber felt the team came out a little flat in practice Wednesday, but sees it as nothing to worry about.

"I've been coaching for almost 25 years now and when you take a day off they come back and you would think they would have life and energy and it's the exact opposite," Weber said. "I don't know why. I've heard older coaches say (it's because of) carbon dioxide buildup.

"It's just if you have a whole week and do nothing and just lay around and watch T.V. ... you don't have a lot of energy."

Howard has played for Lon Kruger, Bill Self and now Weber while at Illinois. He has seen teams go through the transition of learning a new coaching system before and likes how this team is progressing.

"This is nothing new for me," Howard said. "But this group of guys are doing a lot better than we have in the past."

Howard credits the Illini's easy transition with Weber to the team's European trip this past summer. The team got to play under Weber's system and got to know the entire coaching staff.

"Going into the year we knew what to expect and what type of personality they had," Howard said. "We are still making the transition but it's a lot smoother."

Spears dislocates knuckle

About forty minutes before practice ended on Wednesday Spears went for a rebound and came down holding his hand and came off the court.

According to Weber, Spears sprained his knuckle. Spears went to the trainer but came back to finish practice.

"They pulled it back and he got back in there," Weber said. "I'm sure tomorrow it will be a little sore, and I'm pleased that he got back in there because it hurts. So hopefully it won't cause too much damage."