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

By Rees Woodcock

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)
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) /
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CHAPEL HILL, NC – DECEMBER 20: Two basketballs are stuck in a net prior to the game between the Wofford Terriers and the North Carolina Tar Heels at Dean Smith Center on December 20, 2017 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Wofford won 79-75. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

Matic Vesel

Expectation: Did Not Hit

Heading into last season, it was evident the Illinois basketball team needed a big man. That is why I thought bringing in Matic Vesel would have been a good idea. He could help in the paint for the Illini and give some stability to the No. 5 spot.

It was pretty clear early on that Vesel wasn’t going to be the answer this season. His best game of the season was arguably the Longwood win where he saw 13 minutes of action and put up 2 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists. He ended up being used more toward the end of the season when Illinois’ depth was thin and they needed a body.

My expectation was probably a little too high for Vesel coming in. I wanted someone who didn’t necessarily score but could pull down rebounds and play a little defense so the Illini weren’t so outmanned. But, he wasn’t that player and I don’t know if he will be moving forward. Illinois should be looking for another big man for the future as well.

Overall, the expectation I had for Vesel was not hit. Hopefully, he can develop a little more and become a serviceable big man next season and into the future.

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