Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini loss to Florida Atlantic

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CHAMPAIGN, IL – DECEMBER 29: Illinois Fighting Illini guard Da’Monte Williams (20) tips off against FAU Owls forward Simeon Lepichev (21) to start overtime during the college basketball game between the Florida Atlantic University Owls and the Illinois Fighting Illini on December 29, 2018, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. Chemistry continues to be off for this team

Another point that I harp on a lot but nothing ever changes is team chemistry. For most of the game against Florida Atlantic, the Illini seemed to have not been in sync with each other. This is a big concern for me this deep into the season.

The two main players, Trent Frazier and Ayo Dosunmu, aren’t working well together up to this point. They don’t seem to feed off each other and this translates into bad possessions and missed shots. I don’t know how this can change, but it needs to change fast or we will have the worst season in program history.

There were very few times in the game against the Owls where the Illini actually had good communication. This was a rarity and, honestly, I can think of the times where the communication was good. That is how rare it is. There needs to be constant communication with each other and that doesn’t seem to be happening.

On top of the chemistry between Frazier and Ayo being off and the communication lacking, this team just doesn’t look like they are having fun. They don’t look like they enjoy being around each other. They look like they would rather be somewhere else rather than playing basketball for the Orange and Blue. This was evident in the game against the Owls.

I hope, somehow, the chemistry issues get fixed with this Illinois basketball team. Things are so bad right now and it is uncomfortable to watch. There is way too much talent to be losing these types of games.

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