Writing Illini
Fansided

Illinois Basketball: 4 big questions for the Illini against Chattanooga

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Illinois basketball
EVANSTON, ILLINOIS – JANUARY 29: Illinois Fighting Illini guard RJ Melendez #15 dunks in the first half against Northwestern Wildcats forward Robbie Beran #31 at Welsh-Ryan Arena on January 29, 2022 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

2. Can Brad Underwood start using the freshmen?

In the previous slide, I mention that the trio of starting guards were not good against Indiana. They couldn’t hit shots and this would ultimately doom the Orange and Blue.

But when players are playing badly, Brad Underwood needs to step in and use the talent we have on the bench. That talent is in the form of our freshmen.

The Illini brought in three top 100 freshmen from the class of 2021. Luke Goode, RJ Melendez, and Brandin Podziemski could all help Illinois win right now. For some reason, Underwood won’t let them get more minutes, though.

Against Indiana, the trio of freshmen saw a total of eight minutes. Goode and Melendez each received four minutes apiece in that game. Illinois had starters who were struggling greatly, so this was the perfect chance to play the young guys in a big game to see what they can do.

I believe Illinois could have beaten Indiana if the freshmen were used more off the bench. With that being said, can Underwood start using the freshmen against Chattanooga?

Illinois is going to need all hands on deck against the Mocs. If the starters are not playing well, we can’t just keep running them on the floor. We have to start using the talent on the bench. Underwood has a chance to do something special this season. I hope it isn’t a blown opportunity due to him being stubborn and not playing the freshmen.

Home/Illinois Basketball