Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini win over Colgate

3. Quincy Guerrier has been a backbone for the Illini

I am impressed with how much talent Brad Underwood was able to amass this offseason. He brought in some really good players who have been helping this program win games.

If you think about it, three out of the five starters and two out of four bench players who played on Sunday afternoon came to Illinois via the transfer portal. Now they are helping us look great on the basketball court. I would argue, Quincy Guerrier is one of the best transfer portal players Illinois has ever snagged.

I know Shannon has been the most impressive player the Illini have had this season and last. He is someone who can put up a 30-spot on any given night. But I think Guerrier has not only been solid for Illinois this season, but I think he has been the backbone for the program most of the time.

Guerrier again had a good game against Colgate. He finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, and one steal on 4-of-6 shooting from the floor and 2-of-2 from three-point range. Over the last six games, Guerrier is averaging 11.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game as well.

The dynamic ability of Guerrier has been incredible for the Illini. He is an efficient scorer at multiple levels. His defense is outrageous. Guerrier can guard out on the perimeter and hold his own in the paint.

During the Underwood era, Illinois has had a big man and guards, but I feel like we have been missing a player like Guerrier. A nice athletic forward who can play multiple roles and is efficient in scoring the basketball. Now the Illini have that piece. I think we are going to be dangerous come March.