4 key questions for the Illinois basketball team against Alabama

2. Can Tomislav Ivisic continue dominating the paint?

For me, there is nothing like a good big man in the paint. That is what basketball is all about. A massive center who is so physically overpowering that very few can stop him.

That is why I enjoy watching Tomislav Ivisic. He is a throwback of sorts. Illinois found a gem with Ivisic. As soon as he stepped foot on the court, I was amazed by his physical gifts.

Through three games this season, Ivisic is averaging 17.3 points and 9.0 rebounds per contest. He has been nearly unstoppable. Even when the team is struggling, Ivisic is there to put the program on his back.

Illinois is going to need Ivisic’s paint dominance against Alabama. The Crimson Tide has some nice size that might hinder the ability of Ivisic to get points around the basket and gobble up rebounds.

The two players I am looking at on the Alabama roster are Cliff Omoruyi and Grant Nelson. Omoruyi is a familiar face, as he played for Rutgers the last few seasons. He is more of a traditional big man. Nelson is someone who is more athletic and can sky for rebounds.

Ivisic has a size and athletic combination that I have never seen in Champaign. This kid is special, and we are going to need him to be the dominant player we have seen in the first three games on Wednesday against Alabama.