
3. Will Frazier break out of his rough patch?
The 2021-22 campaign fascinates me. For one, I am impressed by Illinois’ ability to win without an All-American caliber point guard in Andre Curbelo. This team is rolling right now.
I am also intrigued by the Illini winning despite the bad offensive play from Trent Frazier. Frazier is one of my favorite players in the history of the Illinois program, but he has been bad since coming back from his injury.
In Frazier’s last four games, he is 5-of-31 (16%) from the field and 3-of-22 (13.6%) from three-point range. During this stretch, he is also averaging 30.3 minutes in each contest and is only putting up 3.3 points, 4.5 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game.
I would argue this is the worst stretch of games in Frazier’s historic career. It happens, though. Great players go through rough patches. It is not a matter of if Frazier will break out of this rough streak, it is a matter of when.
There is a strong possibility that Frazier changes course and starts playing well again against Iowa. He has put up solid numbers in the eight games he has played against Iowa during his career.
Against the Hawkeyes, Frazier has averaged 14.4 points, 2.5 assists, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 38% from the field and 42.6% from three-point range. He has also won three straight against Iowa.
So, on Monday night, I will be watching to see if Frazier can snap out of his cold streak and put up a good number against Iowa. He is due.