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Illinois Basketball: 2016-17 season wrap-up for Tracy Abrams

By Rees Woodcock

Dec 17, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Tracy Abrams (13) reacts during the first half against the Brigham Young Cougars at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Tracy Abrams (13) reacts during the first half against the Brigham Young Cougars at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Coming into the 2016-17 season, many Illinois basketball fans weren’t sure what we were getting with Tracy Abrams.

Abrams was coming off a torn Achilles from the year before, and he didn’t play a single game that season. The year before that he missed the entire season as well with a torn ACL. Illinois fans hadn’t seen this kid play a game of basketball since the 2013-14 campaign.

Season Wrap-Up

Last season started and many fans were excited to see Abrams back on the court. He was the starting point guard for a team that had many veteran players leading the way. The season started off pretty well for him too.

Abrams managed to average 11.9 points per game in the non-conference but he started the conference slate off slow. He just wasn’t able to keep up with some of the athletes the Illini were going up against, and you can’t blame him after the two horrific injuries he went through.

The former coaching regime finally realized Abrams wasn’t able to keep up enough to win some games. He was relegated to the No. 2 point guard role but still started many games. He just didn’t play a ton of minutes anymore.

When the season was all said and done, Abrams averaged 8.6 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. This version of Abrams wasn’t what Illinois needed. They needed the Abrams we saw back in 2013, but that player didn’t show up through no fault of his own.

Abrams went through a litany of injuries that derailed his career and the future of the Illinois basketball program. A stabilizing point guard was needed to help the team and to guide freshman Te’Jon Lucas through the year.

The career of Abrams will always be remembered as what could have been. He had the talent early on but injuries got the best of him.

Next: 2016-17 season wrap-up for Maverick Morgan

What is Next

Abrams’ game does translate to the next level of some sort. He won’t make the NBA but he could be a nice overseas player. As time goes on he will continue to get healthier and eventually, he will get back to where he used to be.

Don’t be surprised if Abrams lands with a team from Turkey or some other foreign country. He has the talent and Illini Nation hopes nothing but the best for his future.

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