Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini win over Rutgers

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PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 2: Dain Dainja #42 of the Illinois Fighting Illini attempts a dunk as Aundre Hyatt #5 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights defends during the first half of a game at Jersey Mike’s Arena on December 2, 2023 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Illinois defeated Rutgers 76-58. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

3. Dain Dainja has been Illinois’ most impressive big man

Illinois is now entering the meat of the schedule, and predictably, Brad Underwood has shortened his rotations. Illinois had two players off the bench get double-digit minutes.

One player who didn’t get a ton of minutes off the bench was Dain Dainja. I was surprised that he wasn’t seeing much playing time. I realize that he had two fouls in the first seven minutes of action, but Underwood ended up playing him for just eight minutes against Rutgers.

I didn’t understand this decision by Underwood. Dainja has not just been good this season, but I believe he has been the best big man Illinois has on the roster. In the eight minutes of action, Dainja finished with four points and four rebounds on 2-of-6 shooting.

Coleman Hawkins ended up replacing Dainja in the starting lineup, and Hawkins had six points and eight rebounds in 26 minutes of action.

Underwood’s decision was quite confusing. If you want to limit the freshmen from playing a lot of minutes, that is understandable. But Dainja is a veteran on this team, and he is the best big man on the roster. While his free throw shooting isn’t good, he is still a dominating force, especially on the glass.

I would imagine this was just an oversight by Underwood and the coaching staff. When Dainja was in the game, he was electric. He runs the court well, he is ready for the ball, and he is aggressive when it comes to rebounding. Dainja also has good awareness. I fully expect to see more of Dainja moving forward.

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