Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini loss to Badgers

3 of 6

MADISON, WISCONSIN – FEBRUARY 18: Ethan Happ #22 of the Wisconsin Badgers dribbles the ball while being guarded by Giorgi Bezhanishvili #15 of the Illinois Fighting Illini in the first half at the Kohl Center on February 18, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

2. Giorgi is going to be so good

Let me tell you, if you aren’t familiar with the name Giorgi Bezhanishvili, you should probably start paying attention. This kid is skyrocketing to stardom with the Illini, and he will be a force for years to come.

Giorgi is averaging 12.1 points and five rebounds per game this season. After the game on Monday night against Wisconsin, Giorgi now has four-straight games with double-digit points. He finished the game against the Badgers with 10 points on 5-of-11 shooting from the field. He also had four rebounds, three blocks and two steals as well.

I can’t think of a freshman for the Illini who has played this well when he wasn’t expected to. I didn’t have high expectations for Giorgi. Shoot, I remember typing projected lineup articles before the season started, and Giorgi wasn’t even starting for the Illini. But, wow, was I wrong.

Giorgi is a great player and is only going to get better. He has bumped his averages in Big Ten play up to 13.8 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. His effectiveness on the offensive end is exciting. He has low post moves that would make some NBA players jealous. He also has the best touch I have seen in a very long time as well.

Illinois about knocked off Wisconsin, and Giorgi was a big part of the team’s close loss. He was able to help shut down the two Badgers big men. Ethan Happ finished with six points on 3-of-7 shooting from the field. Nathan Reuvers had nine points on 4-of-9 shooting from the field. Giorgi is a force to be reckoned with and he is here to stay.

Home/Illinois Basketball