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

Leron Black

Expectation: Exceeded

Let me start off by saying, there were only three players who exceeded the expectations I had this past season. Trent Frazier was one of the players, there is another one coming up later and Leron Black was the third.

Black had a tremendous season and I didn’t see it coming. I was expecting him to put up something like 11 or 12 points and about 5 rebounds per game but he went above and beyond what I was thinking. He has now developed into a player who should have a tremendous senior campaign and will likely get drafted into the NBA.

It was fun to watch Black this past season. He finished the year averaging 15.3 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. I couldn’t even imagine what his numbers would have been if there was a solid No. 5 on the court. That would mean Black wouldn’t have to guard players who were a lot bigger than him and the fouls would be a lot less. There were times Black only played 18 minutes because of fouls, but he would still end up with 18 points.

I really hope Black doesn’t transfer out of the Illinois basketball program. He can become a graduate transfer and is eligible to play anywhere immediately. But, he thrived in Brad Underwood’s system and Illinois has more talent coming in for next season. Black exceeded all the expectations I had for him last year and I hope he can do it again for the Orange and Blue.