Illini Basketball Podcast: Episode 173 (Illinois Beats #1 Kansas!)

Illini Basketball Podcast: Episode 173 (Illinois Beats #1 Kansas!)

Illinois Basketball finished off their preseason with an exhibition against Kansas.There were plenty of basketball storylines involved in the 82-75 win for the Illini. Bill Self made his long awaited return to Champaign. Hunter Dickinson played one final game in front of his beloved Champaign fans. Kansas is also the number one ranked team in the country. This was a great opportunity for Illinois Basketball to see where they stack up. This was just an exhibition, I am aware. Despite this, it was an encouraging night for Illinois fans.

Ethan and Tyler had a great discussion regarding the point guard play on this team and the closing time lineup that Brad Underwood decided to go with. Coleman Hawkins did exactly what he should do every single night. Hawkins was decisive and shot the ball very well. If he can do those two things consistently on the offensive end, Hawkins will have created an outstanding NBA draft profile.

Other B1G News

Purdue lost their exhibition game on the road against Arkansas. Michigan State lost their exhibition at home against Tennessee. Purdue and Michigan State are the two front runners for the Big Ten conference. Both teams played a difficult exhibition opponent and both were in position to win. However, the exhibition win shows that Illinois is really not behind from the two aforementioned teams.

Both guys picked Minnesota to finish last in the conference. Minnesota is in year three of the Ben Johnson era, however they really do not have much to build off of from a team that won 9 games last year. Ben Johnson and Fred Hoiberg seem to lead the charge for “coaches on the hot seat” in the Big Ten.

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