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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: Andres Feliz #10 of the Illinois Fighting Illini brings the ball up the court in the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at State Farm Center on March 03, 2019 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

4. This team will be good next season

I have issues with the team right now. I think there should have been lineup adjustments throughout the season but nothing ever changed. Even with that being said, I think this team is going to be pretty good next season.

Ayo Dosunmu should be back. He is the leader of this program right now. His scoring ability mixed in which his ability to do just about everything on the court will help this team put more wins on the board next season.

Giorgi Bezhanishvili and Trent Frazier will be starting next season as well. These two players are a good source of scoring and team enthusiasm. They bring a lot of emotion to the court that is desperately needed.

I am excited to get back Andres Feliz as well. He is easily our best bench player this season. I wouldn’t be shocked if he starts next year, but having him come off the bench is okay with me too. The development of Samba Kane, Alan Griffin and Tevian Jones will be nice to see. I think at least one of these players should start next season.

The key for the Illini is Kofi Cockburn and Antwan January coming in from the class of 2019. These two big men will help free up Giorgi to play the No. 4 spot. Cockburn then should be starting at the No. 5 for the Illini. This will help the team win more games as well.

I am upset about what is happening with the team right now, but I also realize the future is still bright. The talent is there for this program and we should be able to win games.

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