Illinois Basketball: 4 observations from the Illini loss to Marquette

3. Not sure why we shortened the roster

I think it was pretty obvious that the Illinois basketball team was out of sorts against Marquette. It is like we woke up and just walked out onto the court.

While the team played badly, and they would probably admit to this fact, the coaching staff didn’t do anything to really help the Illini on Monday night.

I know the first two games of the season were against inferior competition. There are times when Brad Underwood plays younger guys or deep bench players because the lead is so big or the opponent isn’t very good. But I thought the freshmen on the team who just entered the program were looked at as more role players than deep bench guys.

Against Marquette, only one of the three freshmen received any playing time. Luke Goode was the only freshman to play, and he only received a single minute. Brandin Podziemski and RJ Melendez both didn’t see the court. Unless they aren’t healthy, I am completely confused why they didn’t play.

In addition to the freshmen not playing, Underwood narrowed the lineup down to basically six players. Alfonso Plummer, Benjamins Bosmans-Verdonk, and Goode had a combined 23 minutes off the bench.

I am confused by the decision-making of the coaching staff. Plummer should have seen more action, especially with so many players struggling on the court. I think everyone on the team, including coaches, can take the blame for this loss.