Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini win over ETSU

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CHAMPAIGN, IL – DECEMBER 15: Illinois Fighting Illini Head Coach Brad Underwood shouts across the court during the college basketball game between the East Tennessee State Univeristy Buccaneers and the Illinois Fighting Illini on December 15, 2018, at State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. Good learning moment for Ayo and Alan

In life, there are learning moments to be had whether you like it or not. Sometimes going through some issues helps you develop as a person and a man. That is what happened on Saturday with Ayo Dosunmu and Alan Griffin.

Ayo has been one of the biggest players on the Illinois basketball team this season. He is averaging 12 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. He is also averaging 1.4 steals per game as well, which ranks second on the team. He is a big part of this Illini program.

Griffin is starting to develop as well. He is averaging 4.3 points and 1.9 rebounds per game this season. But, he is only getting 9.4 minutes per game as well. He is probably in line for a minutes increase sometime down the road because I see positive signs from his game.

These two talented players made a mistake on Saturday. They both were late on Saturday morning. You can’t be late, and Brad Underwood made this known. Ayo and Griffin both unofficially sat out the game against East Tennessee State. No one knew exactly how long they would sit out during the game, but it looks like they were essentially suspended for the game.

This is a learning moment for both of these players. I have done some stupid stuff in my life and there were consequences. This is just a part of life. Judging by their tweets, they don’t take it personally. That is a good thing. Take this moment to learn and grow.

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