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Illinois Basketball: Takeaways from the Illini loss to New Mexico State

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - DECEMBER 16: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts during the game against the New Mexico State Aggies at United Center on December 16, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - DECEMBER 16: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts during the game against the New Mexico State Aggies at United Center on December 16, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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CHAMPAIGN, IL – DECEMBER 16: Michael Finke
CHAMPAIGN, IL – DECEMBER 16: Michael Finke /

4. Michael Finke is the perfect bench player

I have gone to bat for Michael Finke a lot this season because I think he is a good shooter – he shot 20-percent last night – but I am realizing my worst fear. I think he is best suited as a backup for the Illini, but the team doesn’t have that luxury.

Illinois needs to have some type of size in the middle and the biggest most experienced big man would be Leron Black at 6-foot-7. That is why Finke is starting right now. But, I wouldn’t mind seeing some changes to his role on the team.

Finke would be a perfect bench player for the Illini. He can shoot the three-point shot and he causes some mismatches at times. He is also one of the best rebounders on the team. Having a player who can score and rebound coming off the bench would be great for the team. That is why I think it is time for the Illini to send him to the bench.

Illinois needs to go with Kippers Nichols at the No. 4 and Black at the No. 5. This would hurt size wise for the Illini but would give the starting lineup enough scoring to start the game, and having Finke come off the bench would give the team a spark.

Next: 3 observations of Mark Smith this season

Finke has been struggling in the starting lineup for the Illini. It is time have him coming off the bench and giving the Illini a spark from there. His offense hasn’t been good enough to warrant a starting role on the team right now.

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