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

By Rees Woodcock

Nov 20, 2022; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Coleman Hawkins (33) reacts during a free throw attempt against the Virginia Cavaliers during the first half at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2022; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Coleman Hawkins (33) reacts during a free throw attempt against the Virginia Cavaliers during the first half at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 18: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini argues a call with referee Tony Padilla in the first half of a game against the UCLA Bruins during the Continental Tire Main Event basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena on November 18, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Fighting Illini defeated the Bruins 79-70. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 18: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini argues a call with referee Tony Padilla in the first half of a game against the UCLA Bruins during the Continental Tire Main Event basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena on November 18, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Fighting Illini defeated the Bruins 79-70. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

2. Will Brad Underwood up the reserve minutes

I think the simple answer to this question is, yes. Illinois is going up against Lindenwood, so it should be a blowout victory. A blowout means that the Illini will play the reserves for extended minutes.

But I think the game against Lindenwood should mean more than just a cakewalk win. I think Brad Underwood should take this as a dress rehearsal and play this game as if it were Virginia all over again.

I want to see if Underwood incorporates the reserves a little more. I am mainly talking about Ty Rodgers and Sencire Harris. I think these two players have such a bright future, but they can also help the team right now.

Harris’ defense has been talked about quite often this early in his career. He is arguably the best defender on the team right now. His energy is also great for the team when we are a little sluggish. He only received nine minutes against Virginia, though. I think he could have been a bigger help seeing more playing time.

I am a little surprised to see Rodgers’ playing time drop so dramatically when we started to play real competition too. He was getting over 20 minutes in each of the first three games, but now he is getting fewer than 10 minutes in each of his last two games. I want to see if Rodgers starts getting more serious minutes throughout the game.

Against Lindenwood, it is going to be hard to see if the reserves have more trust from Underwood, but I think we should take this game as if it was a big contest. I would like to see Rodgers and Harris get more action. I am talking 12-15 minutes in each game.

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