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Illinois Basketball: 5 takeaways from the Illini loss to Wisconsin

By Rees Woodcock

MADISON, WI - JANUARY 19: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini calls out instructions in the first half against the Wisconsin Badgers at the Kohl Center on January 19, 2018 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI - JANUARY 19: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini calls out instructions in the first half against the Wisconsin Badgers at the Kohl Center on January 19, 2018 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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ANN ARBOR, MI – JANUARY 06: Illinois Fighting Illini guard Te’Jon Lucas (3) drives to the basket against Michigan Wolverines guard Zavier Simpson (3) during a regular season Big 10 Conference basketball game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Michigan Wolverines on January 6, 2018 at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI – JANUARY 06: Illinois Fighting Illini guard Te’Jon Lucas (3) drives to the basket against Michigan Wolverines guard Zavier Simpson (3) during a regular season Big 10 Conference basketball game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Michigan Wolverines on January 6, 2018 at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. If Te’Jon Lucas is available, he should play

In a Brad Underwood presser a few days before the game, he said Te’Jon Lucas is back with the team and is available to play if needed. These words were torn apart by the Illini fan base because they weren’t sure what capacity Lucas would have with the team.

Well, we all found out last night how much Lucas played. He didn’t see a single minute coming off the bench. I am not sure how this happens, though. He is a good player and should be playing for this Illini team.

I understand Lucas did something bad and whatever it was, he should be punished for it. But, if you end the punishment, then you should play him because the team needs his presence on the basketball court.

Lucas probably wouldn’t have made much of a difference last night, but he would have at least been another option for the Illini. He would have been a great option to spell some minutes for any of the guards.

The bench wasn’t good and hasn’t been for a while. Lucas would be a solid option to help the Illini. I am just confused. If he isn’t suspended anymore, why the hell is he not playing? He needs to see time if he is available.

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