Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini loss to Gonzaga

2. Trent Frazier continues to impress

I had someone try to tell me that even if Illinois had Trent Frazier in the Georgetown game, there was no guarantee they would have won. Well, I am here to say that I would guarantee that the Illini would have taken down the Hoyas if they had Frazier.

Frazier is one of the best players I have seen come through the Illinois basketball program in my lifetime. This kid has everything you want in a player. He is the most competitive athlete I have seen in the Orange and Blue in a long time. He has a shot that makes NBA players jealous. This kid also has handles that are solid enough to run circles around defenders.

I love, mostly, everything about Frazier’s game. He showed why he is the leader on this Illini team on Monday night against No. 3 Gonzaga. Despite only having two points and the Illini down by seven at halftime, Frazier came out of the locker room firing.

Frazier dropped 27 points in the second half. He ended the game shooting 8-of-19 from the field and 6-of-13 from the three-point arc. Shooting 42-percent from the field and 46-percent from deep is impressive. He also had five steals and two assists to go along with his tremendous scoring as well.

I am so glad Illinois has Frazier on the team. This kid is electric and one of the big reasons I think this team is going to be dancing come March.