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Illinois Basketball: 5 players the Illini could struggle against in 2017-18

By Rees Woodcock

Mar 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the basketballs on the ball racks before the start of the McDonalds All-American Powerade Jamfest at the Chicago Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the basketballs on the ball racks before the start of the McDonalds All-American Powerade Jamfest at the Chicago Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Illinois basketball team has a noticeable absence in the paint for this upcoming season.

When Maverick Morgan graduated, the Illini needed to replace him with someone big. That happened but then the big man decided to leave his National Letter of Intent and signed elsewhere. Now the Illini are left looking for answers to fill the paint.

Here are five players the Illini could struggle against next season.

Mar 19, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Miles Bridges (22) shoots during the second half against the Kansas Jayhawks in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Miles Bridges (22) shoots during the second half against the Kansas Jayhawks in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Miles Bridges – Michigan State Spartans

Last season the Illinois basketball team only played the Michigan State Spartans one time. Usually, the matchup against the Fighting Tom Izzo’s doesn’t bode well for the Illini. But, this time the Orange and Blue came out victorious.

Illinois welcomed in the Spartans and won 73-70. This was a big win for the Illini but they clearly struggled against one of Michigan State’s best players.

Miles Bridges was sensational as a true freshman last season. He averaged 16.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. This production didn’t slow down against the Illini either. In fact, he decided to take his game to another level when he visited Champaign.

Despite losing to Illinois, Bridges dropped 21 points and pulled down another 10 rebounds. He shot 43.8-percent from the field and was 3-of-6 from the three-point line. This stat line is incredible and most people thought he was going to go to the NBA.

Bridges shocked the world back in April when he announced his return to the Spartans. This not only amazed NBA fans, but the announcement also hurt Illini fans as well.

Illinois is going to have to go up against Bridges next season. Not only did he dominate the stat line against the Illini, but now Illinois loses a 6-foot-10 big man and they don’t have anyone to replace him yet. This could be a scary matchup for the Illini next season.

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