For much of the season, if Black played well, the Illini won. But he was inconsistent, and so were the Illini. In the 16 games between Dec. 17 and Feb. 18, Black scored in double figures just three times and had eight or more rebounds just four times. The Illini went 7-9.

Black, though, did play well in a late-season win against Michigan State (15 points, seven rebounds), and also in wins against Valparaiso (13 points, 12 rebounds) and Boise State (12 points, 10 rebounds) at the NIT.

Those are the kinds of games, based on what he’s seen in the preseason, Underwood is expecting out of Black every time out.

“His impact in practice is dramatic,” Underwood said. “I think we’ve started to see some leadership qualities come out in Leron. I think he’s willing to accept that. He knows his role is going to be at the top of everyone else’s scouting report.”

Black isn’t ever going to be a vocal leader — he’s soft-spoken and is careful not to anoint himself the team’s leader.

“Me and Finke have been here in our fourth year now, but we all just try to help each other. We all try to be leaders,” Black said. “ We don’t have a designated leader yet. We’re still trying to find that.”