Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini win over Kansas City

5. I am starting to fall in love with Dain Dainja’s game

I think everyone is going to miss Kofi Cockburn. The big man was fun to watch, and Illinois fans hadn’t seen that type of size in a long time.

When Brad Underwood was able to land Dain Dainja in the transfer portal, I thought he could have been a discount bin Kofi. He had good size but couldn’t see the court for Baylor. Why would I trust someone who couldn’t play much for an elite team?

Dainja came to Champaign, and Underwood is bringing him off the bench to start the season. I wasn’t expecting a ton out of this kid. I was thinking maybe 10 minutes per game and him averaging something like five points and five rebounds in each contest. Boy howdy was I wrong.

Through two games against below-average teams, Dainja has looked like a superstar for the Illini. He had 17 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks in his first game against Eastern Illinois. That was a great first outing, but I didn’t think he could keep up with that type of production. I was wrong again.

Dainja came out in the game against Kansas City and dominated. He gave Illinois 20 points, 15 rebounds, and five blocks off the bench. His presence on the court was felt each time the Roos had the ball.

I am going to be honest, there were multiple times when I muttered to myself, “Oh my God, Dainja is better than Kofi.” I might be getting ahead of myself when I say that, but wow, this kid looked great. He has great touch around the hoop. He can shoot from 5-10 feet. His rebounding ability is on-point. And he is the most athletic, limber, big man we have had in a long time.

Illini Nation, I think I am starting to fall in love with Dainja’s game. I am trying to not overreact through two games, but it is hard not to overreact with the numbers he is putting up. Let’s see if he can continue this dominating performance.