Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini win over Minnesota

4. Sencire Harris is such a fun player to watch

Illinois basketball has had special players come through the program over the past few decades. But it is hard to find someone as skilled as Sencire Harris in so many different areas.

There have been players in the past who have dabbled in this art. Da’Monte Williams was a player who could do a little bit of everything. Sergio McClain was also a Swiss Army Knife. I might be a little premature in saying this, but I think there is a solid chance Harris ends up being better than both of those players at everything on the court.

Harris played 20 minutes for the Illini against Minnesota on Monday night. He would finish the game with seven points, eight rebounds, and three assists while going 3-of-7 from the floor and 1-of-2 from three-point range.

Everyone assumes that Harris’ biggest weakness on the court is his shooting. I would argue he isn’t a bad shooter at all. He just doesn’t need to shoot the ball. Illinois has weapons who are specifically meant to shoot more than any other player. Leave the shooting to Matthew Mayer or Terrence Shannon Jr. Let Harris do everything else.

It wouldn’t shock me to see Harris get a triple-double this season either. He starts for the Illini at point guard and can get the ball moving. He is tenacious on the glass. His eight rebounds and three assists were both career highs on Monday night.

The lockdown defense that Harris plays is what really takes him from a good utility player to an All-Big Ten-caliber talent in the future. When Harris does get into foul trouble, it is due to him being too aggressive defensively, which I am fine with.

I love what Illinois has with Harris. I think calling him a glue guy might be underselling his meaning to the Illinois basketball team. I would call him a conductor. He is helping guide this train right into the NCAA tournament, full steam ahead.