Writing Illini
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
LINCOLN, NE – JANUARY 15: Illinois forward Leron Black (12) makes a lay up against Nebraska during the second half of a college basketball game Monday, January 15th at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska defeated Illinois 64 to 63. (Photo by John Peterson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE – JANUARY 15: Illinois forward Leron Black (12) makes a lay up against Nebraska during the second half of a college basketball game Monday, January 15th at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska defeated Illinois 64 to 63. (Photo by John Peterson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

5. Leron Black isn’t far away from the NBA

There have been very few bright lights for the Illini this season. I really like how Trent Frazier has arrived onto the scene. He has been special. Another player who has been special is Leron Black.

Throughout the history of Black’s career, I have been hard on him for different reasons. He was immature when he came into the Illinois program. He did some dumb things off the court. He also couldn’t stay on the floor due to fouls.

But, Black seems to have matured this season and has been somewhat more disciplined on and off the court. He has been sensational for this Illinois basketball team.

On Friday night, Black had a chance to play 28 minutes and finished with 16 points and 3 rebounds. This was one of his worst rebounding performances this season, but he continues to tear up the paint with his scoring ability.

Black has developed amazing touch around the rim and really within 10 feet of the basket. He has a nice high release on his shot and this will help him get to the NBA. His aggression and scoring ability is what the next level looks for.

Next: Remaining Illini targets for the class of 2018

The NBA also looks for defense as well. That is something Black needs to continue working on. There are a lot of times he looks lost on the court and this gets him into foul trouble. But, with that being said, I don’t think he is too far from being an NBA caliber player.

Home/Illinois Basketball