Illinois Basketball: 4 observations from the Illini win over Missouri

4. Illinois’ guards are strong

Last season was a fun run with Illinois getting a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. But we kind of knew what this team was during that run.

Illinois’ game plan last season was to get Kofi Cockburn the ball in the paint or have the ball around the perimeter with Ayo Dosunmu taking most of the shots. Ayo would put on his cape and save the day in tough situations as well.

While the Illini had a really good team last season, I believe we could be a better team this year and it all starts with how strong our guard play is.

In all of my time watching Illinois basketball, I have rarely ever seen a team come down the court and be able to convert on three-point attempts like this current squad. When past Illini teams have come down the court and jacked up three-pointers, I was always annoyed. But this team is different. I honestly believe the ball has a chance to go in every time.

I touched on this in a previous slide, but Alfonso Plummer has been amazing this season. He is hitting 44.7% of his three-pointers, but he is more than just a shooter from deep. Plummer can hit shots at every level. He is a great three-point shooter, he has a tremendous mid-range game, and he can finish at the rim.

Guard play from top to bottom has been tremendous. Plummer is doing his thing. Jacob Grandison is hitting 51% of his three-pointers, and he is also adding 4.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists to the mix. Trent Frazier is hitting 39.1% of his three-pointers and adding 3.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.

When these three need some rest, Illinois can then pull someone like Luke Goode off the bench. Goode is hitting 40% of his three-pointers and is adding in 1.9 rebounds per game. Brandin Podziemski is finally getting some action as well. His development is going to be fun to watch.

Illinois’ guards are an impressive bunch. They are easily the best group of guards I have seen in the past 10 years. They might be one of the best groups I have ever seen suit up in the Orange and Blue.