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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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March 16, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Northwestern Wildcats center Dererk Pardon (5) moves the ball against Vanderbilt Commodores forward Luke Kornet (3) during the first half of the first round of the NCAA tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
March 16, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Northwestern Wildcats center Dererk Pardon (5) moves the ball against Vanderbilt Commodores forward Luke Kornet (3) during the first half of the first round of the NCAA tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Dererk Pardon – Northwestern Wildcats

As much as it hurts to say it, Dererk Pardon is going to be a nightmare for the Illini next season and really, as long as he is with the Northwestern Wildcats. This kid is talented and proved that fact this past season.

Northwestern played two games against Illinois and lost both of the contests. Let’s start off by stating that fact first. They lost at home against the Illini by seven points and then got beat down by 16 points in Champaign. These were two bad losses for the Wildcats.

Despite losing to Illinois both times they played each other, Pardon was one of the bright spots for Northwestern. He averaged 6 points and 9 rebounds per game in the two contests they faced off. Those are good stats from a sophomore.

When the 2016-17 season concluded, Pardon finished the year averaging 8.6 points and 8 rebounds per game. This also included 19 points and 22 rebounds in a game against Nebraska as well. Pardon’s stock will continue to rise as he stays in college.

Next season there won’t be too much force being able to stop Pardon for the Illini. They have Leron Black who is comparable in size but he is only one player and if he gets into foul trouble things could get ugly.

Pardon has a 6-foot-8, 235-pound frame that is quite intimidating. Illinois will likely have troubles with him next season but hopefully, the results are the same as last year.

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