Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini loss to the Iowa Hawkeyes

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Illinois guard Jayden Epps (3) shoots the ball as Iowa guard Ahron Ulis (1) defends during a NCAA Big Ten Conference men’s basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.230204 Illinois Iowa Mbb 004 Jpg /

3. The Illini are in good hands with the freshmen

Sometimes losses are just losses. One team has to lose, and it isn’t a referendum on the season. The game against Iowa was just that on Saturday.

Illinois didn’t play badly by any means. I thought it was one of the better games we had played all season. But we still came out with a loss because the Hawkeyes played lights out. A big reason the Illini were so close in this game and had a chance to win was due to our true freshmen.

The last time I was this impressed with a freshman class was in 2002. That is when Dee Brown, Deron Williams, and James Augustine joined the program. I am not comparing this freshmen class to that legendary group, but they can hold their own as far as talent goes.

Jayden Epps is the starter out of the freshmen. He had another huge game on Saturday, putting up 16 points, five assists, and two rebounds while going 7-of-14 from the field. His one-handed finish at the hoop is special. It reminds me a lot of Kyrie Irving. Epps is now averaging over 10 points per game this season.

Ty Rodgers is quickly emerging as a big piece for the future. When he comes into the game, Illinois is automatically injected with energy. He had six points, six rebounds, two steals, and one assist against Iowa. One of the underrated things about Rodgers is that he knows his abilities. He isn’t stepping back for a three-pointer anytime soon. He plays an efficient game. For the season, Rodgers is shooting 52.1% from the field.

And then we have Sencire Harris. The role for Harris is whatever Brad Underwood needs him to be. He didn’t need to score on Saturday, but his defense was invaluable. Harris would finish with one rebound and one block in 11 minutes of action. I think his speed also puts teams on their heels. He can get down the court so quickly.

This trio of freshmen is a huge part of the Illinois basketball team this season. They are going to be even more special next year. The future is so bright.

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