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Illinois Basketball: 4 big questions for the Illini vs Cincinnati

By Rees Woodcock

Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andre Curbelo (5) loos to shoot over Marquette Golden Eagles guard Darryl Morsell (32) and Marquette Golden Eagles forward Justin Lewis (10) during the second half of Marquette Golden Eagles 67-66 win over the Illinois Fighting Illini at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee on Monday, Nov. 15, 2021. - Photo by Mike De Sisti / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel ORG XMIT: DBY1Mjs Mumen 03164
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andre Curbelo (5) loos to shoot over Marquette Golden Eagles guard Darryl Morsell (32) and Marquette Golden Eagles forward Justin Lewis (10) during the second half of Marquette Golden Eagles 67-66 win over the Illinois Fighting Illini at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee on Monday, Nov. 15, 2021. - Photo by Mike De Sisti / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel ORG XMIT: DBY1Mjs Mumen 03164 /
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Illinois basketball
CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 09: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini watches his team from the sidelines in the game against the Jackson State Tigers at State Farm Center on November 09, 2021 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

3. What production will come from Hutcherson?

Yes, Kofi Cockburn is back from his three-game suspension. That is exciting for every Illini fan out there. But Kofi is stealing the headlines away from Austin Hutcherson.

Hutcherson transferred into the Illinois program a couple of years ago. He had to sit out his first season due to the archaic NCAA transfer rule. Last season, he missed the year due to injury and rehabilitation. The wait is now over. Hutcherson is going to see playing time for the Illini.

It was announced in the last couple of days that Hutcherson is dressing for the Cincinnati game. This is huge for him as a player and for the Illinois fanbase.

Hutcherson, I am sure, has his own personal goals about playing. He hasn’t played competitive basketball in years, and he has never played in the DI ranks. Being able to suit up for the Illini against the Bearcats is probably pretty exciting for him.

For Illinois, this is a huge step in the right direction for the program. The Illini have been missing scoring this season, and Hutcherson can solve that problem. He is a tremendous three-point shooter. Look for him to knock down multiple three-point shots tonight.

I am also excited about Hutcherson’s defensive prowess The kid is extremely long and will be tough for opposing offenses to handle.

Hutcherson’s production will be something I am watching tonight. Will Brad Underwood throw him to the wolves or is he going to slowly feed Hutcherson minutes? Keep an eye on what happens with this kid.

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