Taking a cue from Michigan State's miscues of 2005, Illinois expects to be hydrated and acclimated by the time it plays the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team Friday.

The Rainbow Warriors will host the Fighting Illini in the Stan Sheriff Center at 8:05 p.m.

Illinois is scheduled to arrive in Honolulu this afternoon, and head coach Bruce Weber said his players will be drinking fluids "before the flight, during the flight and after the flight."

"The hydration part is really important," he said.

The Fighting Illini are playing Hawai'i while on a three-night stopover in Honolulu. They are scheduled to play three games in the EA Sports Maui Invitational next week, meaning they will be in Hawai'i for eight nights.

Two years ago, fellow Big Ten Conference member Michigan State did the same thing. But the Spartans, who were ranked No. 4 at the time, got upset by the 'Bows, and several of the key players suffered muscle cramping in the loss.

However, Michigan State went on to reach the championship game of the Maui Invitational after the loss to Hawai'i.

Weber said he hopes Friday's game against the 'Bows will benefit his team.

"The one question is why would you put Hawai'i in there," he said. "I hope it's an advantage for us because it gives us an extra game out there."

Weber said he wanted to give his players at least 48 hours to adjust to the time difference between Hawai'i and Illinois.

"One, make sure you leave with enough time so you can get your body clocks adjusted," Weber said was one of the tips he got from Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo.

Weber said he will also try to make his players as comfortable as possible during the long flight.

"No one looks forward to it; it's a long flight," he said. "The big thing is getting the right seats — exit seats, and bulkhead, and aisles. We have a priority list, 7-footers and working our way down. I just hope the coaches don't get stuck in the middle."

Weber said the Fighting Illini will also play tourist before playing the 'Bows, with visits to Hanauma Bay and Pearl Harbor planned for tomorrow.

"That'll be our dilemma as a coaching staff ... how do we deal with the travel, the environment, the atmosphere, just being in Hawai'i, being on the beaches," he said.

NASH PRACTICES, GIBSON DOES NOT

Senior forward Bobby Nash returned to practice yesterday after injuring his shoulder Monday.

Senior point guard Matt Gibson has yet to be cleared for practice because of an injured left knee. The injury happened last Wednesday, and Gibson sat out the season opener.

"When the medical staff tells me he's ready to play, then I'll address the situation," Hawai'i head coach Bob Nash said. "Until he's ready, I have to get other guys ready."

Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com.