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Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini win over Syracuse

By Rees Woodcock

Nov 29, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood congratulates player Coleman Hawkins after his triple-double after a 73-44 win over the Syracuse Orange at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood congratulates player Coleman Hawkins after his triple-double after a 73-44 win over the Syracuse Orange at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 20, 2022; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Jayden Epps (3) shoots inside the defense of Virginia Cavaliers guard Isaac McKneely (11) 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 guard Jayden Epps (3) shoots inside the defense of Virginia Cavaliers guard Isaac McKneely (11) during the first half at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /

2. I don’t know how long Jayden Epps will be in college

If Brad Underwood and his coaching staff didn’t land the talented class of 2022 that they ended up landing, the Illini wouldn’t be 6-1 right now.

I am amazed by how quickly our freshmen have picked up the game. The most impressive freshman offensively has been Jayden Epps.

For the season, Epps has put up some great numbers. He is averaging 11.0 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists while hitting 49.2% of his shots from the field and 40% from three-point range. He was also one of the reasons Illinois was so competitive against Virginia, as he dropped 14 points and four rebounds that night.

Against Syracuse on Tuesday night, Epps once again dazzled the Illini fanbase. He finished the game with 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting from the field and 3-of-6 from three-point range. His ability to catch and shoot quickly is phenomenal.

There is so much I love about Epps’ game. He can create his own shot and has great athletic ability. When I watch him, he reminds me a lot of Jordan Poole of the Golden State Warriors. With that being said, I am not sure how long Epps will actually be at Illinois. With this type of game, the NBA could be calling next season.

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