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Illinois Basketball: 4 observations from the Illini win over Minnesota

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 14: Kofi Cockburn #21 of the Illinois Fighting Illini on the free throw line in the game against the Old Dominion Monarchs at State Farm Center on December 14, 2019 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 14: Kofi Cockburn #21 of the Illinois Fighting Illini on the free throw line in the game against the Old Dominion Monarchs at State Farm Center on December 14, 2019 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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Nov 12, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Omar Payne (4) dunks the ball against the Arkansas State Red Wolves in the first half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Omar Payne (4) dunks the ball against the Arkansas State Red Wolves in the first half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

3. I finally felt the Payne on Tuesday

I am going to be honest, I have been extremely disappointed with what I have seen out of Omar Payne this season. I was expecting so much more out of the Florida transfer, but he has been massively underwhelming.

Payne hasn’t had a game this season where I thought he was an asset to the program. He has just been a placeholder for Kofi Cockburn when the big man needs a break. But the productivity just hasn’t been there for Payne.

It seemed like a switch flipped for Payne against Minnesota, though. He was a different player. Payne set the tone early for the Illini with some great defensive plays, and it didn’t go unnoticed.

Payne finished the Minnesota game with three rebounds, two blocks, and one assist in 12 minutes of action. While he didn’t take a shot and is still an offensive liability, I think Payne’s performance on the defensive end really gave the Illini a spark.

I would make an argument this was Payne’s best game as a member of the Illinois basketball team. I know what he is as a player. He isn’t an offensive asset by any means, but if we can get the stat line that he put up against Minnesota every night, then I think I am okay with his role on this team.

Hopefully, Payne can continue to develop his game to the point he is putting up 4-5 points per game. Just imagine if he started to become any type of scorer. I am going to keep an eye out to see how this kid plays in the coming weeks.

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