The Illinois Fighting Illini just made a rare midseason move that could shake up their rotation - and potentially give them a much-needed spark heading into the heart of Big Ten play.
On Monday, Illinois secured the commitment of Toni Bilic, a late addition who’s eligible to suit up right away. The news, first reported by Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress, comes at a pivotal moment for the Illini, who are looking to rebound after a tough loss to Nebraska. And while adding a new face midseason is never seamless, Bilic could bring some valuable depth to a team that’s been searching for more scoring options off the bench.
So, who is Toni Bilic, and what can he bring to the table?
Bilic isn’t the kind of player who’s going to dominate the highlight reels or immediately take over games, but he’s got tools that can help Illinois in key areas. He’s got a bit of bounce, some shot-creating ability, and he plays with a confidence that could translate well in the right system.
Think of a player in the mold of David Mirkovic - but with a little more quickness and a better handle in isolation situations. That’s the kind of skill set Bilic is working with.
Where he may face the steepest learning curve is on the defensive end. Dropping into a team midseason is no small task - especially when it comes to learning defensive schemes, rotations, and building on-court chemistry. Communication and trust take time, and that’s something head coach Brad Underwood will need to manage carefully as Bilic gets acclimated.
Don’t be surprised if Underwood eases him into action rather than throwing him into the fire. A debut sometime in mid-January seems realistic, giving Bilic time to get up to speed with the playbook and his new teammates. But once he’s ready, expect him to carve out a role as a bench scorer - something this Illinois squad could really use right now.
Zvonimir Ivisic has been carrying a heavy load as the Illini’s most consistent scoring threat, especially when it comes to stretching the floor. Outside of Ivisic, Illinois has struggled to find another reliable perimeter weapon. If Bilic can provide even a modest scoring punch off the bench - someone who can knock down shots and keep defenses honest - that could go a long way for a team with postseason aspirations.
Midseason additions are always intriguing, and this one feels like a calculated swing by the Illinois coaching staff. Underwood and his crew have been aggressive on the recruiting trail, and Bilic represents another example of their willingness to explore every avenue to improve the roster.
Time will tell how quickly Bilic can make an impact. But for now, Illinois fans have another reason to be optimistic - and maybe just a little more firepower for the stretch run.