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Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini loss to Penn State

By Rees Woodcock

MADISON, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 18: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts in the first half against the Wisconsin Badgers at the Kohl Center on February 18, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MADISON, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 18: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts in the first half against the Wisconsin Badgers at the Kohl Center on February 18, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS – MARCH 03: Ayo Dosunmu #11 of the Illinois Fighting Illini at the free throw line in the game against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at State Farm Center on March 03, 2019 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS – MARCH 03: Ayo Dosunmu #11 of the Illinois Fighting Illini at the free throw line in the game against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at State Farm Center on March 03, 2019 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

1. Ayo and Giorgi are the foundation

Illinois lost their 20th game on Sunday to Penn State. This is the most losses in school history. We are now 11-20 on the season and will be playing in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament.

Despite this historically bad season, I think we have a great foundation building. I think Ayo Dosunmu and Giorgi Bezhanishvili are a foundation that can take us from Big Ten bottom feeder to a conference title contending team.

These two did their thing against Penn State on Sunday too. Ayo finished the game with 16 points, 8 rebounds and 2 steals. He was 4-of-11 shooting from the field and 2-of-4 from three-point land. Giorgi had a solid game as well. He also dropped 16 points with an additional five rebounds and two steals. He was 6-of-13 from the field too.

There is no doubt in my mind Ayo and Giorgi should be on the Big Ten All-Freshman team. Giorgi has averaged 12.1 points and 5.3 rebounds per game this season. Ayo is averaging 14.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists this season. These two are great players.

So, no matter how bad the season is going, Illinois has a solid foundation for the future. I expect both players will be here at least next season as well.

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