Illinois Basketball: 3 things to watch for in the Illini game against Monmouth

2. Could Dain Dainja make his first start

There are quite a few Illinois basketball players who have started the season well. I love what Jayden Epps is doing. He had a big night against Kansas City. Terrence Shannon Jr. has also been a burst of energy for this program.

I would argue, though, that Dain Dainja has been the most impressive Illini player through the first two games. I thought he would take a little while to get acclimated to the college game, but he has arrived on the scene and has dominated the paint.

Dainja is now averaging 18.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks through his first two games with the Illini. His numbers took a big jump after he pumped out 20 points, 15 rebounds, and five blocks in the last game against Kansas City.

I didn’t think I would be this impressed with Dainja this year, but he has won me over thus far. His touch within 10 feet of the basket is phenomenal. He can rebound the ball with the best of the best. I would argue he is the most athletic big man we have had, maybe ever.

I know it is early, and we haven’t played good competition, but Dainja might end up being better than Kofi Cockburn. He has better touch around the hoop, and he is more limber and athletic than Kofi. I think Illinois has a special player on their hands. That is why I will be watching on Monday night to see if Dainja gets his first start of the 2022-23 campaign.

If Dainja keeps playing the way he is playing right now, Brad Underwood is going to have to start him at some point. He is way too good not to be starting. In my opinion, you send Matthew Mayer to the bench and go with a great athletic lineup that has two 6-foot-9 or taller players at the No. 4 and No. 5 spot in Dainja and Coleman Hawkins. This would be a great lineup to go with.