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

4. Will Illinois continue the dominance on the glass?

During the Kofi Cockburn era of Illinois basketball, we were able to have our way in the rebounding department. The Illini always had one of the best rebounding teams in the country.

Last season, Illinois once again had a good rebounding team. We averaged 37.9 rebounds per game, which ranked No. 26 in the country. While that is a good number, the way the Illini have started this season when it comes to rebounding is way more impressive.

On Tuesday night, can Illinois continue dominating the rebounding department? Can we not only win the rebounding battle but maybe have the margin be in the double digits?

So far in 2023-24, the Illini have been sensational rebounding the basketball. We have averaged 47.1 rebounds per game, which ranks No. 2 in the country. Arizona is No. 1 at 47.4 rebounds per contest.

In the seven games Illinois has played, we have won the rebounding battle in each contest. This includes winning the rebounding battle by double-digits in four out of seven contests and the last three in a row.

I think the biggest difference between this team and last year’s squad is the addition of some great rebounding players. Quincy Guerrier has been insane on the glass. His athletic ability is off the charts, and his length is what enables him to pull down 7.6 rebounds per game, which is three rebounds more than last season with Oregon.

Marcus Domask has been impressive on the boards too. He has played more of the wing role, but his hustle and willingness to crash the glass have enabled him to pull down 5.1 rebounds per game. Domask currently ranks No. 3 on the team in rebounding.

Florida Atlantic is a decent rebounding team. They average 37.9 rebounds per game, which ranks No. 105 in the country. Their big man, Vladislav Goldin, is the leader in rebounds with 7.1 rebounds per game. They also have talented guard Johnell Davis who is pulling down 6.8 rebounds per game.

The Owls are far from intimidating on the glass, though. While they have won the rebounding battle by double-digits in the last three games, Florida Atlantic has lost the rebounding battle in two games this season. One of those games was by 18 rebounds to Texas A&M.

Rebounds are going to be crucial on Tuesday night. Illinois has one of the best rebounding crews in the country. It will be interesting to see what the rebounding margin ends up being against the Owls.