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Illinois Basketball: 4 observations from Illini exhibition game

By Rees Woodcock

LINCOLN, NE - JANUARY 15: Illinois guard Trent Frazier (1) dribbles the ball down court against Nebraska during the second half of a college basketball game Monday, January 15th at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska defeated Illinois 64 to 63. (Photo by John Peterson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE - JANUARY 15: Illinois guard Trent Frazier (1) dribbles the ball down court against Nebraska during the second half of a college basketball game Monday, January 15th at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska defeated Illinois 64 to 63. (Photo by John Peterson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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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) /

2. The big man situation worries me, obviously

It probably could go without saying, but the big man situation for the Illini this season already worries me, and we aren’t even into the regular schedule yet. What I saw on Friday night didn’t ease my worries when it comes to the Illinois paint.

Illinois started the game with Giorgi Bezhanishvili as the No. 5. This was expected as the Illini announced the starting lineup a few nights before the scrimmage. His overall performance was okay for the Illini. I saw some good and a lot of bad.

Bezhanishvili was pushed around in the paint a lot. He didn’t have much of a presence when trying to post up. His inability to get position on the defenders helped in causing a few turnovers. Illinois guards need help with entry passes as well.

I did like how Bezhanishvili pumped up the crowd when there was a skirmish for the ball. He got up and started waving his arms to pump Illini fans up, and that is nice to see. Some emotion is always fun. I also liked Bezhanisvili’s ability to hit the three-pointer. This is a part of his game that is very interesting.

Samba Kane spelled some minutes for Bezhanishvili in the game as well. Kane was clearly raw. He was pushed around a lot because he doesn’t have a lot of meat on him. That is a big worry. But I do like the fact he is extremely athletic. I was impressed with how he moved, and I think he is the most athletic big man we have.

Overall, the No. 5 spot worries me greatly and that feeling probably won’t subside this season. Hopefully, the guards have the ability to outscore some teams to make up for the points giving up in the paint.

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