Illinois Basketball: 4 observations from the Illini win over Northwestern
By Collin Allen
3. Illinois’ bench is only getting more dangerous
Illinois’ depth has been a huge reason the Orange and Blue have seen so much success this season. The Fighting Illini have primarily gotten a lot of bench production from freshman point guard Andre Curbelo and junior big man Giorgi Bezhanishvili.
Curbelo, who has proven to be a game-changer for the Illini, is averaging 9.4 points by shooting an exceptional 50-percent from the field so far on the year. The freshman guard is also averaging 4.8 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game on the season.
Bezhanishvili is putting up 6.2 points per game off of an exceptional 62.3-percent shooting percentage. The junior big is also averaging 3.3 rebounds per contest on the year. This includes a notable 15-point, 4-rebound performance versus No. 2 Baylor.
In my latest piece, I mentioned how Coleman Hawkins had his “coming out party” by producing for the Orange and Blue in their recent victory over Purdue. Hawkins shot a perfect 2-of-2 from the floor, recording 5 points, 2 rebounds, 1 block, and 1 assist in just five minutes coming off the bench.
Last night, it was Jacob Grandison who provided the spark off of the Illini bench. Filling in for senior guard Da’Monte Williams, who injured his ankle in the second half, Grandison made the most of his opportunity.
In only 12 minutes of play, the junior Holy Cross transfer made his only shot attempt on the night, which was a three-pointer, finishing the contest with three points. The junior wing also contributed 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals in the Illinois win.
Something that doesn’t show up on the stat sheet was the hustle plays Grandison was making. The Illini wing was fighting for loose balls, taking charge attempts, and making smart decisions with the basketball while he was on the floor. If the Illini can continue to get this sort of production from Grandison and the rest of the bench, they will continue to play like one of the best teams in the country.