Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini loss to Virginia

2 of 5

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 20: Dain Dainja #42 of the Illinois Fighting Illini is guarded by Francisco Caffaro #22 of the Virginia Cavaliers in the first half of the championship game of the Continental Tire Main Event basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena on November 20, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Cavaliers defeated the Fighting Illini 70-61. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

2. Illinois should make a lineup adjustment

Every year and it seems like after every game, I want to make a lineup adjustment for the Illini. This season is no different.

Coming into the 2022-23 campaign, I projected the starting lineup to be what it is today. This seemed like the obvious way Brad Underwood would go considering he probably wasn’t going to land the transfers he landed without having them start.

But, five games into the season, I think we need to send one of those transfers to the bench. I believe Matthew Mayer is a good player, but I think he would be better suited as a sparkplug rather than a go-to starter for the Orange and Blue.

Mayer, once again, struggled for Illinois on Sunday. He would finish the game with four points and four rebounds on 2-of-7 shooting from the floor and 0-of-2 from three-point range. If he was giving us the “other” numbers that, for example, Da’Monte Williams used to give us, then there would be more of an argument to have him start.

I think Underwood should give Dain Dainja a strong look as an Illini starter. He brings more energy and more opportunity to the Illinois offense. I also love Dainja’s defensive abilities and rebounding.

With the lineup that includes Mayer, Illinois has all perimeter players out there without any true threat in the paint. Let’s switch that up a little bit. Dainja put up five points, six rebounds, and one steal against Virginia in 18 minutes. I would like to see what he could do with 25-30 minutes on the floor.

Home/Illinois Basketball