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Illinois Basketball: Despite rumors, I still believe in the Illini

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - FEBRUARY 08: Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood shouts to players during the Big Ten Conference college basketball game between the Wisconsin Badgers and the Illinois Fighting Illini on February 8, 2018, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - FEBRUARY 08: Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood shouts to players during the Big Ten Conference college basketball game between the Wisconsin Badgers and the Illinois Fighting Illini on February 8, 2018, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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The Illinois basketball team didn’t have a great season, and there are rumors swirling about players leaving the program.

It is understandable that some fans feel like the world is ending. Taking some talent away from the current team will only make the program worse. That is the mindset of some of the Illini fan base right now but is it really the end of the world?

I want to see the Illinois basketball team succeed just as much as the next guy. Bumps in the road happen but it just seems like we have been in this bump for a few years now. Whatever subtractions we have from the team this season, just think about the additions we have coming in, though.

Illinois has a level of player we haven’t seen in a very long time coming in with Ayo Dosunmu. I keep hearing he won’t solve our problems but let me tell you, he will come darn close to solving those problems.

Do you know those top players Kentucky, Duke and the other blue bloods get year in and year out? Well, we got one of those players. We snagged Dosunmu and he will be sensational for years to come. He will start year one and this probably is one of the reasons why there could be some departures on the team as well.

Illinois is also adding another guard in Alan Griffin. I am still not sure why this kid isn’t ranked in the recruiting ranks but all you have to do is watch him play and see his stats to know he is going to be good. He has a great shot and he can do almost everything on the court. I can’t wait to see what he brings to the table for the Illini.

Next: Grading the first Illini season under Brad Underwood

Whoever decides to jump ship – player or fan – good luck to you in the future. This program is going to move forward, continue to get better and be on the rise next season. I am not going to give up on this team because there are some players and fans who don’t want to be here. I can’t wait to see the resurgence of this program. It will happen. Call me a homer but I do believe Brad Underwood will shape this team into a contender. Don’t give up on hope.

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