Coming off a 101-34 victory in their first exhibition game of the season, the Illinois basketball program is back in action on Friday night at 7 p.m. CT.
The Illini welcome in Indiana University of Pennsylvania in hopes of heading into the 2021-22 campaign on a high note. There isn’t a ton you can take from exhibition games, but there are a few things that I plan on keeping an eye on in the game on Friday night.
Here is what to focus on when the Illinois basketball team takes on Indiana University (PA).
Does Brad Underwood stick with the same starting lineup
I found it interesting that Underwood went with both Jacob Grandison and Da’Monte Williams in the starting lineup against St. Francis (IL). These two were interchangeable last season, so having them both start piqued my interest.
I am curious to see if Underwood decides to go with a change in the lineup. There are a few options who would work well alongside the main starting three of Kofi Cockburn, Andre Curbelo, and Trent Frazier.
Will Austin Hutcherson continue to see more minutes
Illinois has a deep team this season, and one of the players who came off the bench in the game against St. Francis was Austin Hutcherson.
Hutcherson would end the game with 14 points and seven rebounds in just 21 minutes of action. The way he looked on the floor was phenomenal. He is a long player who can hit shots from anywhere on the court. His defensive prowess is high too. Hutcherson might be too talented to have on the bench.
Which youngster emerges
The Indiana University (PA) game is most likely a dress rehearsal for the start of the season. I want to keep an eye on which young player starts rising to the top.
Illinois had a pretty talented haul come in from the class of 2021. In the St. Francis game, Luke Goode received 15 minutes, Brandin Podziemski received 13 minutes, and RJ Melendez checked in with 11 minutes. Out of these three, who can start separating themselves from the pack? That is something I am watching.
How much confidence the coaching staff has in the second and third tier big man
Kofi Cockburn is going to do Kofi things on the court. The guy is a skilled giant. But behind him is a big question mark.
On Friday night, I am going to be keeping an eye on who emerges between Omar Payne and Brandon Lieb. Each player received nine minutes and eight minutes in the St. Francis game, respectively. Illinois is going to need that second option at the No. 5 spot. I am curious to see who the coaching staff trusts more.