The Illinois basketball season wasn’t one to remember, but the players who suited up for this program will never be forgotten.
Despite the struggles this year, I have really enjoyed watching some of the players develop on the team. We had so many young guys taking the court every game as starters and coming off the bench as well. This is, probably, one of the reasons why we had a hard time winning games. The progression of these young players was seen, though, and this gives some hope for the future.
The young gun who led the way for the Illini was freshman, Ayo Dosunmu. This kid averaged 14.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.3 steals per game for the Orange and Blue. His points and assists led the team. He was third on the team in rebounds and second in steals. This kid could do it all and it translated into accolades off the court.
On Monday, Dosunmu received the honor of making the Big Ten All-Freshman team. He joined Romeo Langford, Joe Wieskamp, Jalen Smith and Ignas Brazdeikis on this honorable list. There is no question Ayo earned this nomination. He led all Big Ten freshmen in assists and steals, and he was third in scoring. His progression throughout the season was tremendous, but I just hope we get to see him around for another year with the Illini.
Ayo isn’t the only young player to really make an impact on this team, though. Giorgi Bezhanishvili was also a big-time player for the Illini. He averaged 12.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 0.7 blocks per game this season. His rebounds and blocks led the team, and his points were third on the team. I have to assume he was also right up there for the Big Ten All-Freshman team.
When I talk about young guys, I don’t just mean freshmen either. Let’s not forget Trent Frazier. His sophomore season was up and down at times, but he still managed to average 13.6 points, 2.6 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game this season. His steals led the team, and he was second on the team in points and assists. For having a “down year” this kid still put up amazing numbers.
These three players are the foundation of what is being built in Champaign. We didn’t have a great record this past season, but we started to build what could be a great team for the future. Illinois averaged 72.3 points per game this season by their scholarship players. Out of those 72.3 PPG, freshmen and sophomores accounted for 51.2 PPG. That means freshmen and sophomores on the team scored 70.8-percent of the points in each game.
Does Brad Underwood make some decisions that frustrate me? Sure, I would love to have seen Tevian Jones, Alan Griffin and Samba Kane play more this season. But, that doesn’t mean the ship is sinking. You can disagree with something and still be a fan and see how the future is bright. Believe me, our young guys led the team this season and will be the stalwarts for the team in seasons to come. The youth movement this season is something Illini fans have to look forward to in the future. We will, in fact, win.