Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini win over Minnesota

5. Illinois can attack you from different areas

I think this version of the Illinois basketball program is different than what Brad Underwood has had in the past.

In the previous renditions of the Orange and Blue, we were way more predictable. Last season, it was to get the ball down to Kofi Cockburn and let him work. A couple of years ago, Illinois had Ayo Dosunmu controlling the ball with Kofi as a solid option. At maximum, we seemed to have two main options.

Illinois doesn’t just have one or two options this season, though. I think this Illinois basketball team can strike opponents from various areas on the court, and they aren’t ready for it.

Just in the last three games alone, Illinois has had three different leading scorers, three different players lead in assists, and three different players lead in rebounds. That, on paper, shows you the versatility of the Illini.

When you look at the entirety of the team, you will see so many different avenues to score the basketball. Team’s can’t stop Matthew Mayer. He can drive it to the hoop or stick a three-pointer in your eye.

The crazy part about Mayer having those abilities is the fact that Illinois has multiple players who can do the same thing. Coleman Hawkins, on a regular night, can light up the scoreboard. His lone bucket against Minnesota was an incredible step-back three-pointer.

Illinois then throws a Jayden Epps at you from the bench. I would argue Epps is the most dynamic player on the team. His ability to finish at the hoop is insane. But if you play him to drive, he is going to knock down a three-pointer with ease.

Are you worried about Illinois hitting from deep or driving on you? Well, if you guard that, then you are leaving one man on Dain Dainja in the paint. That is not going to end well for you. Dainja’s touch within five feet of the hoop is incredible.

I haven’t even mentioned Terrence Shannon Jr., who leads Illinois in scoring. When he is on, watch out world. Illinois is insanely talented this season and one of the most balanced teams I have seen in my lifetime. We will attack you from many different areas. You better be prepared.