Illinois Basketball: 3 observations from the Illini win over Wisconsin

2 of 4

MADISON, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 08: Alan Griffin #0 of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts in the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at the Kohl Center on January 08, 2020 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

1. Alan Griffin is more than just a sparkplug

The Illinois basketball team has something special on their hands with Alan Griffin. This kid isn’t just your average player coming off the bench. He is a superstar.

To start the season, Griffin was coming off the bench to give us somewhere around 12-15 minutes per game. He wouldn’t do a ton, but he would provide some semblance of offensive spark for the Orange and Blue. He was sort of a sparkplug for this team.

But that has changed. He isn’t a sparkplug anymore. Griffin is a player who is developing into a leader on this team. He has now hit double-digit points in his last four games. He is only averaging 22 minutes in each of these contests too.

The efficiency that Griffin produces is out of this world. He hasn’t shot under 55-percent since the Missouri game. He continues to hit his outside shots. He has only missed two free throws all season. It is remarkable what this kid is doing.

Griffin is no longer a sparkplug, and that is blatantly clear. I would go a step further and say he has a chance to be the best player on this team by seasons end. I believe he is the best shooter on the team. He brings great energy as well. I think we have a legendary talent on our hands.

Home/Illinois Basketball