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Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini loss to Tennessee

By Rees Woodcock

Illinois head coach Brad Underwood claps from the sidelines during an NCAA college basketball game between Tennessee and Illinois at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center, Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023.
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood claps from the sidelines during an NCAA college basketball game between Tennessee and Illinois at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center, Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023. /
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Dec 9, 2023; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Quincy Guerrier (13) brings the ball up court against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Food City Center at Thompson Boling Arena. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 9, 2023; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Quincy Guerrier (13) brings the ball up court against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Food City Center at Thompson Boling Arena. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Quincy Guerrier kept Illinois competitive

When Illinois landed a handful of transfers this offseason, I didn’t think they were going to be superstars. I thought all of the transfers were just going to be solid role players.

Marcus Domask had the big game against Florida Atlantic, but besides that huge performance, he hasn’t played well. Justin Harmon is a nice piece off the bench, but Brad Underwood clearly uses him as a role player. And then you have Quincy Guerrier.

Guerrier has played well this season. The only department he is struggling in is three-point shooting, but I have been pleasantly surprised by his ability. On Saturday, Guerrier came through big for the Illini. He finished with 22 points and five rebounds on 7-of-14 shooting from the field and 3-of-8 from three-point range.

The 22 points Guerrier put up against Tennessee was his season high. He now has four double-digit scoring games in nine contests. For the season, Guerrier is averaging 8.0 points and 6.7 rebounds. Those are numbers that a key player puts up, not a role player.

I think what impresses me the most about Guerrier is his efficiency. He is someone who plays anywhere on the court and this includes banging around in the paint. Guerrier has now played 200 minutes this season and only has 10 total turnovers. The kid takes care of the ball.

Guerrier was huge for the Illini against the Volunteers. Without him, this game ends up being a blowout. The other four Illinois starters didn’t show up. Guerrier put the team on his back and played his best game of the season. Underwood’s offseason of landing transfer portal players continues to pay off.

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