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Illinois Basketball: 5 big questions for the Illini against Florida Atlantic

By Rees Woodcock

PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 2: Terrence Shannon Jr. #0 of the Illinois Fighting Illini warms up before a game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Jersey Mikes Arena on December 2, 2023 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Illinois defeated Rutgers 76-58. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 2: Terrence Shannon Jr. #0 of the Illinois Fighting Illini warms up before a game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Jersey Mikes Arena on December 2, 2023 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Illinois defeated Rutgers 76-58. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 10: Dain Dainja #42 of the Illinois Fighting Illini is seen during the game against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies at State Farm Center on November 10, 2023 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 10: Dain Dainja #42 of the Illinois Fighting Illini is seen during the game against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies at State Farm Center on November 10, 2023 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

2. Do we see more Dain Dainja against the Owls?

This season has been great for Dain Dainja. The junior is having the best year of his career, minus the free throw line.

In 2022-23, Dainja averaged 20.6 minutes while putting up 9.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. This season, he is only averaging 14.7 minutes per game. Despite the playing time decrease, Dainja is still averaging around the same numbers at 9.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks per contest.

I think Dainja is having a good year, but for some reason, the Illinois coaching staff isn’t playing him as much. It all came to a head on Saturday night against Rutgers. Dainja had two fouls early on, and he only played eight minutes for the game. He didn’t even see the floor in the second half.

A big question I have for Tuesday night is; will Dainja see the floor more against Florida Atlantic? Are we going to utilize the big man?

Florida Atlantic is a good team, and their best player is their biggest player. Vladislav Goldin is 7-foot-1, 240 pounds, and he currently averages 15.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game, all of which lead the team.

Illinois doesn’t have the size to match up with Goldin. Coleman Hawkins is playing the center role right now, and he isn’t a great defender. I think Dainja is the key to Illinois stopping Goldin. This will be the matchup I am going to watch on Tuesday night. I imagine Dainja sees a lot more time and is a key piece to Illinois either winning or losing.

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