MINNEAPOLIS — After last season’s successful run to the Elite Eight and capturing the Big Ten Tournament title, Illinois faced a significant roster overhaul as key players moved on to professional careers. Coach Brad Underwood opted to bring in a youthful squad this season, and the potential of these first-year Illini is becoming increasingly evident. With a bit of luck on the health front, this team has the capability to make a notable impact in March.
“Our ceiling is really high,” Underwood stated after the 23rd-ranked Illinois team triumphed over Minnesota with a score of 95-74 on Saturday. “These guys are immensely talented. Each of them has the potential to play at the next level, and I’ve maintained this belief since the beginning.”
The young players have been pivotal in helping the Illini regain their momentum after struggling with four losses in the last six games. Will Riley was a standout performer, contributing 27 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists from the bench. Kasparas Jakucionis also shone with 24 points on 8-for-14 shooting, while Tomislav Ivisic managed 18 points and 11 rebounds despite playing with a sore ankle. Morez Johnson Jr. added four points and three rebounds within 14 minutes of play.
Illinois posted an impressive shooting percentage of 63.2%, marking their highest in a Big Ten game in eight years.
Underwood commented on the challenges they face as a young team. “Every experience we go through is new, whether it’s dealing with struggles or tough losses. These moments are valuable learning opportunities for us,” he said. “It is important to maintain our belief in ourselves, and as a coach, I need to keep my patience with them during these first-time experiences.”
With a record of 16-8 and 8-6 in the conference, Illinois has proven effective when scoring 80 points or more, boasting a 15-1 record in such games. Their current average of 85 points per game is the highest since the 1988-89 season when they reached the Final Four.
Jakucionis is not only a key player but also recognized as a top-10 finalist for the Jerry West Award, which honors the nation’s best shooting guard. He has set a freshman record at the program with nine games scoring over 20 points. The Lithuanian talent is predicted to enter the NBA draft next season.
Riley, the highest-rated incoming freshman at Illinois in years, stands at 6-foot-8, creating significant matchup challenges against opponents. Additionally, Ivisic, a 7-foot-1 player from Croatia, faced NCAA eligibility scrutiny, which categorized him as a sophomore. However, given his skills and attributes, it is unlikely he will remain in college for long.
Despite an ankle injury sustained in a previous game against Rutgers, Ivisic showed resilience by playing through the pain. Underwood noted his ankle resembled “a quite enlarged cabernet grape,” indicating the severity of his condition. Nevertheless, Ivisic played a substantial 33 minutes and was critical in defending against Minnesota’s top scorer, Dawson Garcia, limiting him to just 12 points.
“I commend him for focusing on his teammates instead of himself, which is a significant mindset,” Underwood remarked.
Illinois has faced continuous challenges of injuries and illnesses throughout the Big Ten season, contributing to their recent struggles. Several players, including starter Tre White and key reserve Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, could only participate minimally in Saturday’s match due to flu-like symptoms. Ivisic also missed three games last month due to mononucleosis, while Jakucionis dealt with an arm injury that affected his performance upon returning.
Underwood acknowledged that while the team is not fully healthy, he appreciated the contributions from the available players. “We’re not at full strength yet, but I am encouraged by how the pieces fit together,” he added.
