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

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Nov 24, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Marcus Domask (3) grabs a rebound next to teammate Ty Rodgers (20) against the Western Illinois Leathernecks during the first half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

3. It is hard to remember a player for Illinois like Quincy Guerrier

Illinois has been on a rebounding tear this season. We have some talented big men who can pull down rebounds with the best of the best. Illinois also has some great rebounding forwards and guards.

The rebounding has been so good for the Illini this season, that we rank as one of the top teams in the country. Illinois is currently pulling down 46.5 rebounds per game, which is good enough to rank No. 6 in the nation.

A big part of this rebounding success has been on the back of Quincy Guerrier. His athletic ability as a forward has been incredible for the Illini. At 6-foot-8, he can jump out of the gym and sky for rebounds easily.

Against Western Illinois, Guerrier had his best rebounding night of the season. He pulled down 15 rebounds to go along with his 10 points and four blocks. Guerrier now has at least 10 rebounds in three out of six games thus far.

I don’t know where Illinois would be right now if Guerrier wasn’t on this team. It is really fun to watch him work his way to the rim and pull down boards. It is hard to think of a player like Guerrier. He reminds me a little of Brian Randle, but even he couldn’t rebound like Guerrier. It is quite impressive.

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