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Illinois Basketball: 5 takeaways from the Illini win over Indiana

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - JANUARY 24: Illinois Fighting Illini Forward Leron Black (12) shoots a free throw during the Big Ten Conference college basketball game between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Illinois Fighting Illini on January 24, 2018, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - JANUARY 24: Illinois Fighting Illini Forward Leron Black (12) shoots a free throw during the Big Ten Conference college basketball game between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Illinois Fighting Illini on January 24, 2018, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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CHAMPAIGN, IL – DECEMBER 11: Illinois Fighting Illini flag flies during the game against the Norfolk State Spartans at Assembly Hall on December 11, 2012 in Champaign, Illinois. Illinois won 64-54. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

2. Illinois is really only an Ayo away from being NCAA tournament bound

When I posted Illinois is literally only an Ayo Dosunmu away from being an NCAA tournament team there was some backlash. But, I truly believe the Illini are that close from being in contention for a bid to go dancing in March.

Illinois currently sits at 11-11 overall and 1-8 in Big Ten play. This record isn’t good and I realize that. But, there is no doubt in my mind, since Dosunmu is a Big Ten caliber guard, he would make a difference immediately. He would improve this Illini team.

Since there would be an improvement, I assume the Illini would win the three overtime games they lost this season. Dosunmu would improve the team at least a point. I also believe Illinois would win the buzzer-beating loss to Nebraska as well.

Dosunmu is a talented player and he would make up for some of the Illini’s deficiencies. Do they still need a big man? Yes, but if they had some better guard play as well, they would at least have four more wins. That would put their record at 15-7 overall and 5-4 in Big Ten play. That is an NCAA tournament team right now and he would make a huge difference.

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