It is a big day for the Illinois basketball program, as the UConn Huskies await in the Elite 8.
The Illini didn't play particularly well against Iowa State, but we came away with our patented gritty win. Illinois finds a way to get the victory no matter the circumstance.
UConn is a monster program, though. They are coming off a national title win last season, and they are steamrolling through the 2024 NCAA tournament. Illinois will have our hands full on Saturday.
Here are five massive questions for the Illinois basketball team against UConn
1. Can Illinois get everyone involved offensively?
To beat a team like the UConn Huskies, everyone is going to have to be involved in the game. We can’t have one of those games where two Illinois players go off and the rest are just watching. UConn won’t allow that to happen.
I have been impressed with how well the Illini have been moving the ball and getting each other involved. This ball movement has helped get us to the Elite 8.
So, on Saturday, can Illinois continue that great team play? Can we get everyone involved in the game?
Against Iowa State, Illinois had Terrence Shannon Jr. put up 29 points, which paced the team by over double the second-highest scorer. We needed Shannon to put up a good number, but Illinois also needed contributions from the rest of the cast as well.
A total of seven players scored in that Iowa State game. All seven Illini players had at least four points, and five players had at least seven points. That is good team basketball. Everyone got involved in the game, and it showed the depth of our weapons.
UConn has the ability to shut down the opponent’s offense. That is what scares me. Illinois needs to have everyone active just in case one player isn’t playing well because of the tough defense. The more scoring outlets, the fewer droughts in the Elite 8.