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Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini win over Nebraska

By Rees Woodcock

Jan 11, 2022; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Trent Frazier (1) gathers guard Da'Monte Williams (20) and guard Alfonso Plummer (11) together during a break against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the second half at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2022; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Trent Frazier (1) gathers guard Da'Monte Williams (20) and guard Alfonso Plummer (11) together during a break against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the second half at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 18, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Luke Goode (10) derives the ball against Saint Francis Red Flash forward Myles Thompson (5) during the first half State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Luke Goode (10) derives the ball against Saint Francis Red Flash forward Myles Thompson (5) during the first half State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Freshmen gave solid minutes

It is interesting to see how Brad Underwood goes about using his bench, mainly the freshmen trio that came in from the class of 2021.

In the game against Nebraska, RJ Melendez didn’t see the court. This was a surprise because Melendez probably would have been a tough matchup for the Nebraska lineup. He is a long kid who can guard and score.

But Underwood did manage to use Brandin Podziemski and Luke Goode. Both players had a really good game and were valuable members of the rotation as well.

Goode saw the most action on the court, as he played six minutes against the Cornhuskers. He would finish the night with two rebounds, one assist, and one block in that time on the court. Goode continues to be a hardworking hustler. His rebound was crucial in Illinois converting on offense too.

I loved seeing Podziemski early on in the game against Nebraska. He was subbed into the game in the first 10 minutes of action. Podziemski would finish the night with one rebound in five minutes, but he is clearly going to get his shot next season as a likely starter for this program.

Illinois needed depth, and the freshmen can give them good minutes. Against Nebraska, the Illini freshmen helped stabilize the ship. They are a reason we came away with the win.

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