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Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini loss to Northwestern

By Rees Woodcock

Jan 4, 2023; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood gestures to his team during the first half against the Northwestern Wildcats at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 4, 2023; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood gestures to his team during the first half against the Northwestern Wildcats at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 22, 2022; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Jayden Epps (3) shoots against Missouri Tigers guard Nick Honor (10) during the second half at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2022; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Jayden Epps (3) shoots against Missouri Tigers guard Nick Honor (10) during the second half at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Jayden Epps has star potential

The Illinois basketball team only had one player who I was impressed with against Northwestern, and that one player was Jayden Epps.

Throughout the season, Epps has shown flashes of brilliance with his bounce and ability to make shots from anywhere on the court. He has started one game this season, and I think it might be time to move him into a starting spot once again.

Epps would finish the Northwestern game with 11 points, two rebounds, one assist, and one steal while shooting 5-of-12 from the field. He brought the only energy Illinois had to the court. Epps would also help move the ball around, which would create open shots for his teammates.

The freshmen on the Illinois roster are what give me hope for the future. They are the soul of this team. They all want to be out there. They want to win for this program. I wouldn’t mind seeing a freshman lineup in the next game.

Against Wisconsin, Brad Underwood should start Epps alongside his freshmen teammates. I want to see a lineup of Skyy Clark, Epps, Sencire Harris, Ty Rodgers, and Dain Dainja. These five players give it all they have every play in every game. They are the future of this program, and I want them to develop into superstar players.

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