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Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini win over Central Connecticut

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - JANUARY 18: Makira Cook #3 of the Illinois Fighting Illini is seen during the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at State Farm Center on January 18, 2023 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - JANUARY 18: Makira Cook #3 of the Illinois Fighting Illini is seen during the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at State Farm Center on January 18, 2023 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – MARCH 02: Genesis Bryant #1 of the Illinois Fighting Illini shoots the ball against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in the second half of the game in the second round of the Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament at Target Center on March 2, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Fighting Illini defeated the Scarlet Knights 81-55. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /

4. Genesis Bryant is adjusting to a new role

I imagine the Illinois players were used to the lineup without Makira Cook. The team played the first four games of the season without Cook on the court.

Stat-wise, the biggest beneficiary of Cook being out was Genesis Bryant. She was sensational in the first four games this season, averaging 20.0 points per game and being the main focus for the Illinois offense.

But now that Cook is back, there has to be a big adjustment for Bryant. She was the main ball-handler for the Illini, and now Cook is bringing the ball up the court and everything is going through her.

In the game against Canisius and on Wednesday night, it does seem that Bryant is a little out of place. She has an adjustment to make now that she has to share the backcourt again. While there seems to be some adjustment needing to be made offensively, Bryant is contributing in other ways.

Bryant has averaged 14.5 points per game and has only taken 13 total shots since Cook has reentered the lineup. With that being said, she has also averaged 5.5 rebounds, 3.0 steals, and 2.0 assists over that two-game span.

Cook and Bryant are both incredible players, and they will figure out things on the offensive end. Bryant is going to have to adjust to the new role. I believe they will and this engine will run smoothly, much like last season.

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