Illinois Basketball: Games notes from the Illini win over St. Francis
Getting a taste of Illinois basketball on Saturday was absolutely delicious.
Not only did we get to see the Illini football program take down No. 7 Penn State, but the basketball team had a chance to shake off the rust against St. Francis (IL).
It was a great performance by the Orange and Blue. Our guy Dylan Clemons broke down the grades from the win earlier today. There are also a few notes I wanted to emphasize as we move toward the second exhibition game of the season.
Here are the notes from the Illinois basketball win over St. Francis.
1. Omar Payne’s game is fascinating
Illinois fans got to see their first in-game glimpses of Omar Payne. The most likely starter at the No. 5 spot once Kofi Cockburn moves on, Payne displayed some solid defensive abilities. A big part of his defensive abilities is his athletic prowess. This kid is going to be a nightmare on opposing offenses.
But when you get to the offensive side of Payne’s game, things get a little ugly. He airballed a 10-foot shot from the baseline by a solid foot against St. Francis. I am curious to see if we can develop his offensive game to a suitable level.
2. Illinois might have depth at the No. 5 spot
As mentioned above, Payne is a player who will likely be the starter next season at the No. 5 spot. But Brandon Lieb might be a viable option to backup Payne or even push him for minutes.
I didn’t think Lieb would develop, but he checked in against St. Francis and looked good. He clearly put on some muscle in the offseason. Give Lieb some more time and he should form into a solid player. He could be a good option as the third big man this season.
3. Trent is in mid-season form already
One player who came out and did not look rusty was Trent Frazier. Offensively, Frazier was solid with his 10 points, 3 assists, and 2 rebounds, but his defensive abilities are already up to speed for the season.
Frazier was everywhere on the court making defensive plays. He ended the night with six steals. Frazier was hounding the St. Francis players every chance he got. Having him in this form already bodes well for the Illini in the non-conference slate.
4. Hutch might be our most well-rounded player
Um, Illinois might have won the national title last season if Austin Hutcherson wasn’t injured. I know it is just an exhibition, but Hutcherson came out and looked amazing for the Illini. He finished the night with 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals and was 2-of-3 from three-point range.
Hutcherson’s offensive abilities are amazing. His three-point shooting is right where I want it, and he has the ability to get into the lane and use his big body to fend off defenders. I also believe Hutcherson’s length is going to give opposing offenses some serious problems. The kid is going to be a shutdown defender.