Illinois Basketball: 3 things to watch for in the Illini game against Bethune-Cookman

3. Is confidence going to be restored in Illinois basketball

I will 100% be supportive of the Illinois basketball program’s goal of winning games. I want to see this team succeed and win each and every contest that comes their way.

But, as of right now, my confidence is pretty low in what I have seen lately. Illinois has dropped three out of the past five games, and two of those losses are by double-digit points. Let’s not forget the fact we were given a scare by Alabama A&M before pulling away late.

I think the most frustrating thing about all of this is the fact Illinois isn’t a bad team. We have players who could start for any program in the country. This isn’t one of those seasons where we just don’t have the talent, which is why we are struggling. I would argue this is one of the most talented rosters Brad Underwood has had since taking the reins.

On Thursday night against Bethune-Cookman, I am going to be watching to see if I can get some of the confidence back that I once had with this team. In the first six games, I thought the Illini played like we could end up winning the national title. But in the last six games, I am not sure we even make the NCAA tournament.

Let’s see the chemistry start coming together. Once that clicks, then I think we will start winning a lot. But without chemistry, Illinois will continue to struggle. This team needs to find that spark quickly while the season is still repairable.