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Illinois Basketball: 4 observations from the Illini loss against Rutgers

By Rees Woodcock

PISCATAWAY, NJ - FEBRUARY 16: Kofi Cockburn #21 of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts during the second half of a game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Jersey Mike's Arena on February 16, 2022 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Rutgers defeated Illinois 70-59. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NJ - FEBRUARY 16: Kofi Cockburn #21 of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts during the second half of a game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Jersey Mike's Arena on February 16, 2022 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Rutgers defeated Illinois 70-59. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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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 /

2. Why not play all of the freshmen?

I know this observations piece is going to sound like I am piling on Brad Underwood, but I am putting the onus on him for the loss. He was outcoached and seems to be having a hard time managing the team.

To build on the first slide about RJ Melendez playing more, I am going to go a step further and say why not play all three freshmen more?

I have harped on this for what seems like every post after every game. I just don’t understand why the trio of Melendez, Luke Goode, and Brandin Podziemski aren’t on the floor at all, let alone getting them significant minutes.

Melendez’s development is well-reported. In back-to-back games, he has hit the double-digit scoring mark, yet he hasn’t played more than 17 minutes in either game.

The lack of playing time for Goode is astonishing as well. He saw 28 minutes against Michigan State and put up nine points, four rebounds, and two assists on 3-of-4 shooting from three-point range. That should have been a building block game for his career and confidence.

Instead of that win against the Spartans being a building block, Goode hasn’t seen more than seven minutes in the five games that have followed that win.

And last but not least, Podziemski. The former Wisconsin Mr. Basketball came to Champaign and clearly has a ton of talent. Why the heck is he not seeing playing time? When he does actually play, Podziemski is good. He hustles around the court and makes plays. On top of that, he doesn’t look lost like some of the other Illini players.

Most of the Illinois starters are struggling. Why the heck aren’t we giving the young guys a chance to show us what they have? You can’t tell me playing struggling guards over the freshmen is a better way to win games. Our four starting guards had eight total made shots against Rutgers. That is unacceptable. Play the dang freshmen.

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