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Illinois Basketball: 3 observations from the Illini loss to Rutgers

By Rees Woodcock

PISCATAWAY, NJ - FEBRUARY 15: Trent Frazier #1 of the Illinois Fighting Illini and Jacob Young #42 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights dive for a loose ball during the second half of a college basketball game at Rutgers Athletic Center on February 15, 2020 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Rutgers defeated Illinois 72-57. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NJ - FEBRUARY 15: Trent Frazier #1 of the Illinois Fighting Illini and Jacob Young #42 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights dive for a loose ball during the second half of a college basketball game at Rutgers Athletic Center on February 15, 2020 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Rutgers defeated Illinois 72-57. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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CHAMPAIGN, IL – FEBRUARY 11: Illinois Fighting Illini guard Ayo Dosunmu (11) stands near mid-court during the Big Ten Conference college basketball game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Illinois Fighting Illini on February 11, 2020, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. Ayo was dearly missed

The Illinois basketball team went into the game against Rutgers on Saturday without their leading scorer Ayo Dosunmu.

Ayo has been one of the staples for this Illini program. He has averaged 15.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists this season while shooting 47-percent from the field. Those numbers, mixed in with his clutch moments, has made him a very valuable player to this team. On Saturday afternoon, his value to the program increased even more.

When Illinois needed a basket, they couldn’t get one. When the game was on the line and we needed someone to step up, Ayo wasn’t there. The injury to his leg in the Michigan State game isn’t something that will keep him out long term, but we dearly missed him against Rutgers.

In addition to his presence on the court, Ayo being out also messed with the Illini lineup. Andres Feliz replaced Ayo in the starting lineup. Feliz is usually the spark plug off the bench, but he started on Saturday. He wasn’t the only one who was out of place, though.

Alan Griffin also started for the Illini. We went with a four-guard lineup and then had Kofi Cockburn as the starting No. 5. Griffin replaced Giorgi Bezhanishvili on Saturday. This really didn’t pay off as Griffin had a bad game.

Overall, it is like Ayo is the glue for this Illinois team. Nothing works too well without him. I hope this kid gets well soon for his health, but we also could use him on the court. I worry about the season if we can’t get Ayo back.

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