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

3. Is Illinois’ rebounding going to be a difference-maker

It has been a great start to the 2022-23 campaign for the Illinois basketball program. We didn’t rebuild this offseason, we reloaded. This is a different team, but we are playing like we have been together for years.

Illinois has had a few surprises this season. One of the biggest surprises has been the emergence of reserve big man, Dain Dainja.

Dainja has come off the bench for the Illini and given us great minutes. He is super athletic for his size, and he can rebound with the best of the best. He is going to be extremely important in the game against Virginia as well.

With Dainja’s great rebounding ability, along with our talented guards and wings who can rebound, I want to see if our rebounding ability is going to be a difference-maker against the Cavaliers.

Through four games this season, Illinois has been one of the best rebounding teams in the country. We are pulling down 42.3 rebounds per game, which ranks No. 29 in the nation. As I said, this has a lot to do with Dainja and our great rebounding guards and wings.

Illinois is going up against a Virginia team that doesn’t rebound the ball well. They are only pulling down 33 rebounds per game this season, which ranks No. 250 in the country.

I think the rebounding ability of the Illini could make a big difference. If we can build out a solid rebounding margin, then this could be a solid victory for the Orange and Blue.