5 huge observations from the Illinois basketball win over Arkansas

2. Tomislav Ivisic is the most dangerous player on the floor

I think I have drooled over Tomislav Ivisic in every observation article this season. He is someone I have never seen in Champaign, and the shocking part is, I am amazed by his talent in every game.

Illinois has never had a big man as skilled as Tomislav Ivisic. I will say it. Not Brian Cook, not James Augustine, and not even Meyers Leonard. This is the best big man Illinois has ever had, and I don’t think it is particularly close.

Ivisic has suited up for the Illini in seven games this season. He has already had four double-doubles, and he just notched his best game against a top-20 program in Arkansas. Ivisic dropped 21 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks, two assists, and two steals.

Just think about those numbers for a second. He had all of those numbers and he only played 75% of the game. Ivisic logged 30 minutes against the Razorbacks and tore them up.

On top of the impressive numbers, he was extremely efficient as well. Ivisic only had two turnovers and shot 7-of-14 from the field and an eye-popping 6-of-9 from three-point range.

Ivisic is amazingly dynamic. His defense is solid. He can play back-to-the-basket. Teams can’t guard him because their big man is too slow and can’t close out on the perimeter, so Ivisic has open three-point attempts. When they do close out, the paint is left wide open for an Illinois player to drive to the hoop.

Opposing teams can’t guard him inside either. Illinois’ guards dump the ball down to Ivisic, and he has an incredible touch on his hook shot. I am shocked that Ivisic wasn’t already in the NBA. He is an amazing player with a skill set that will enable him to last a decade or more at the next level. Enjoy what you are watching now because Ivisic is gone after this season.