Basketball
Illinois Basketball Freshmen Can Make an Impact

Illinois Basketball Freshmen Can Make an Impact
Illinois Basketball has had some struggles recently. Despite a ten-win conference record so far, Illinois fans are really feeling the panic and the burnout from some signs that point to another fumble in March. Brad Underwood and his staff have some major adjustments that need to be made in a very short period of time, and the outlook appears bleak. In the past month, Illinois basketball has had clear defensive struggles and is currently somewhere in the 100’s in defensive efficiency.
Despite outstanding offense, the defense has kept inferior opponents hanging around which ultimately leads to offensive problems down the stretch. Brad Underwood needs to accept the fact that the drop coverage is not working. They need more bite on the ball and an injection of physicality. Underwood needs to turn to their two freshmen as the season comes to a close.
Amani Hansberry
Amani Hansberry started the season rather well. Hansberry showed that his motor and rebounding prowess could benefit the Illinois basketball team down the line. However, Hansberry missed over a month with a back injury. Hansberry has shown some flashes throughout his return. He had an and-one against Ohio State on the road and played solid defense against Penn State. If he can keep the game simple, he provides a much more mobile option at the 5 than Dain Dainja.
Dravyn Gibbs-Lawhorn
Dravyn Gibbs-Lawhorn should have gotten more time at the beginning of the year. However, Gibbs-Lawhorn always looks to score the ball when he gets in. He took some poor shots during his limited time which made the leash on him super tight. Despite this, Gibbs-Lawhorn provides a much more athletic and explosive option than the slow-footed Justin Harmon. If Underwood was able to live with some development, Gibbs-Lawhorn may have been in a real position to help Illinois.
Against Penn State, DGL showed a motor and explosiveness that I think should be used moving forward. He seems to care a lot and has so much more defensive agility than Justin Harmon. If Dravyn can avoid turnovers and poor shot selection, he will be a weapon come March Madness.
Thank you for reading Armchair Illini. For more Illinois Athletics and Big Ten content from Armchair Illini, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Publisher at alexkyi13@gmail.com. Please use our Seatgeek code for $20 off your purchase on Seatgeek.com: ARMCHAIRILLINOIS. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing Illinois media outlets around!
-
Basketball7 days ago
Ty Rodgers Injury update from Illini basketball coach Brad Underwood
-
Football7 days ago
Illinois Football News: Xavier Scott to Miss Significant Time
-
Basketball7 days ago
Illinois basketball has their first day of practice for the 2025-2026 season
-
Basketball6 days ago
Illinois basketball to play exhibition with defending national Champions Florida Gators
-
Football7 days ago
Illinois Football Injury Week 5 Update: The Good and Bad News
-
Football7 days ago
Where Illinois Football Fell in Recent Postseason Projections
-
Basketball5 days ago
How Illinois basketball will make major adjustments defensively
-
Basketball5 days ago
Top-50 Shooting Guard Adam Oumiddoch Schedules Visit with Illinois Basketball