Illinois Basketball impact player of the game vs Eastern Illinois

Illinois basketball won their opening game vs Eastern Illinois  112-67. It was nice to see the Illini get back into the winner’s circle after a blowout-loss in their exhibition vs Ole Miss. The win vs Eastern Illinois is a stepping stone for what will be a long road ahead for Illinois. Each game is an opportunity to gel as a team and with top-ranked programs on the schedule coming up later this month, the Illini need to continue to improve. As the season goes on, players will find roles and start standing out as “the guy”. In game one, one player stood out as the one likely to take on that mantle.

Will Riley

Riley finished with 31 points on a stout 10/13 from the field with 7 rebounds. In the second half, Riley took over with a number of four-point plays and exquisite shot-making. So far, it looks like Illinois basketball needs a “go-to” guy on their team. As the competition starts to ramp up, the Illini will need a player they can lean on for a bucket. In past years, Terrence Shannon Jr, Marcus Domask, Ayo Dosunmu, and Trent Frazier held that role. So far, Riley looks the most comfortable with the ball in his hands looking to score. He looks a lot like former Nebraska star, Bryce McGowens did during his freshman year in Lincoln.

In terms of other impact players, Tomislav Ivisic was outstanding. The Croatian big man put up a double-double of 14 points and 14 rebounds in his college basketball debut. Ivisic is so skilled and comfortable on the floor and he will certainly be the centerpiece of this starting lineup.

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