Illinois Basketball: Which Illini players hit expectations in 2017-2018

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EAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 20: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini gives instructions to his players during a game against the Michigan State Spartans at Breslin Center on February 20, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

The Illinois basketball team didn’t have the record many fans had hoped this past season.

Brad Underwood came in as the new head coach looking to turn this program around. The record actually ended up being worse than the year before, but I think most fans see the tides turning and there is positive momentum with the team and recruiting.

Illinois has a good class of 2018 coming in for next season led by five-star guard Ayo Dosunmu. This class gives hope to Illinois fans. I think Dosunmu is going to be sensational and the Illini also snagged Alan Griffin a few days ago as well. Hopefully, at least one more is added this weekend and the Illini can continue building this great class.

But, let’s go back to looking at what Illinois had this past season. I had high expectations for the Illini but they failed to win enough games to go dancing. This makes the fifth straight year Illinois isn’t making the NCAA tournament. That will hopefully change next season, though.

I was really disappointed in how Illinois played this past season. They had some talent that overperformed and others that didn’t perform up to the level I was hoping. And then there were others who hit my expectations.

Here is which Illini players hit expectations last season.

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