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Illinois Basketball: 4 observations from the Illini win over Iowa

By Rees Woodcock

Illinois head coach Brad Underwood watches from the baseline during a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball game against Iowa, Monday, Dec. 6, 2021, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.211206 Ill Iowa Mbb 034 Jpg
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood watches from the baseline during a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball game against Iowa, Monday, Dec. 6, 2021, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.211206 Ill Iowa Mbb 034 Jpg /
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Nov 9, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Alfonso Plummer (11) celebrates his team’s 71-47 win over Jackson State at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Alfonso Plummer (11) celebrates his team’s 71-47 win over Jackson State at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Another 20-burger from Plummer

Illinois basketball has a special player on their hands with Alfonso Plummer. He is on pace to go down as one of the best transfers in program history.

Coming into the Illinois program, Plummer was a good scorer. He could hit three-pointers on a consistent basis and was averaging 11 points per game for his career with Utah. He then transferred to Champaign, and Brad Underwood has unlocked something with this kid.

Plummer put up another 20-point performance on Monday night against Iowa. He finished the game with 21 points on 6-of-11 shooting from the field and 4-of-8 from three-point range. This 20-point performance is the fifth-straight 20-point game for Plummer as well.

This is impressive considering I went back through 2006 and couldn’t find another Illinois player to accomplish this feat. Plummer is on a special run right now that I don’t see it ending any time soon.

What I like most about Plummer’s game is the fact he isn’t just jacking up three-point shots regardless of the scenario. He is smart about his shooting and is great without the ball. Plummer moves all around the court to find open space. This is a very Steph Curry-ish type of mentality.

I think Plummer can keep his great season going. He isn’t just a spot-up shooter who relies on everyone else to get him the open shot. This kid creates shots. He has a chance to have one of the best seasons in Illinois basketball history.

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