Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini win over Eastern Illinois

3. Illini have a dangerous player in Amani Hansberry

Illinois’ class of 2023 might be one of the most underrated recruiting classes in the country. I already touched on how special I think Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn is going to be, but don’t sleep on Amani Hansberry.

Hansberry came into the game later in the first half and played some great basketball. He logged 14 big minutes in the game and finished with seven points and a team-high eight rebounds.

Coming off a Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year honor his senior year, Hansberry had some high expectations. I thought he was going to be a solid contributor in year one and then breakout in year two. But it looks like he might be one of the best, if not the best, big man on the roster.

I would argue the thing that impressed me most about Hansberry, besides his great rebounding ability, is the fact he isn’t just a lumbering big man in the paint. While he does have those traits and the ability to bang around with the big boys, he can also step out and shoot from distance.

Hansberry was 1-of-2 from three-point range, and his shot looks natural. He isn’t developing a three-point shot, unlike Coleman Hawkins. He already has one, and that is exciting.

The foundation for the Illinois basketball program is something special. The future is so bright for this program, with Hansberry and Gibbs-Lawhorn leading the way. Buy stock in this team now.