After a tough loss to UCLA, some Illinois fans are hitting the panic button, questioning whether Coach Underwood can lead the team to Big Ten glory or an NCAA title. But let's not jump to conclusions just yet.
The Fighting Illini are having one of their best seasons in nearly two decades. With 20-win seasons now a regular occurrence, Illinois sits at 22-6 overall and 13-4 in conference play, holding impressive wins over Texas Tech, Tennessee, Purdue, and Nebraska. Sure, they’ve stumbled against unranked teams like Wisconsin and UCLA, but those are Quad 1 losses, which are more understandable in the grand scheme of things.
What’s more concerning is that three of their losses came in overtime, two against those unranked opponents. After dropping three of their last five games, the upcoming clash with Michigan is crucial. Fans are jittery about a potential early exit in the tournament, but here's why they shouldn't be.
Let's dive into the stats: Illinois ranks 4th in KenPom, leading in offense and boasting a top-10 strength of schedule. They're also 4th in NET and 10th in RPI, with a solid 7-5 record in Quad 1 wins, outperforming many top-tier teams like Michigan State and Nebraska.
Are they championship material? Experts think so. CBS's Brent Stover picks Illinois to win it all, with analysts like Andy Katz and Jay Bilas also backing the Illini as serious contenders, even after recent setbacks.
Now, let’s talk about what makes this team special.
Size and Length
Illinois is the tallest team in college basketball, but it's not just about height; it's about playing long. With players like Ben Humrichous and Jake Davis on the wings, and a formidable perimeter featuring David Mirkovic and Andrej Stojakovic, their length is a defensive nightmare for opponents.
Defensive Prowess
Big Z anchors the defense with 61 blocks this season, while perimeter defenders Wagler and Boswell apply relentless pressure. This forces teams to constantly adjust, and Illinois out-rebounds opponents by an average of 10.4 boards per game, limiting second-chance opportunities.
Shooting Skills
From three-point range, Illinois is lethal. Big guys like Tomi and Big Z can step out and hit from deep, while Mirkovic and Humrichous add to the outside threat. Davis and Wagler are sharpshooters, with Wagler’s step-back move creating separation for high-percentage shots.
Passing as a Weapon
Illinois turns passing into a strategic advantage. Led by Wagler and Boswell, the team averages 14.1 assists against just 9.1 turnovers. Their ability to penetrate, dish, and find open shots makes them a formidable offensive unit.
Areas for Improvement
Every team has its flaws. Illinois can get overly reliant on the three-point shot, which sometimes leads to fast-break opportunities for opponents. However, their resilience and adaptability shine through, especially when dealing with injuries and setbacks.
The Test of Champions
This season has tested Illinois with early illnesses and injuries, but the team’s "next-man-up" mentality has kept them competitive. When they stick to their game plan-focusing on rebounding, shooting, and maintaining pace-they're tough to beat. Their ability to stay calm under pressure is the hallmark of a champion.
In short, Illinois has all the tools to make a deep tournament run. They’ve shown they can compete with the best, and with a disciplined approach, they could very well be cutting down the nets come April.