Connect with us

Basketball

Illinois Basketball impact player of the game vs Eastern Illinois

The freshman phenom was everything advertised.

Published

on

Illinois basketball coach, Brad Underwood.
Nov 4, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood talks with Illinois Fighting Illini guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (2) during the first half against the Eastern Illinois Panthers at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

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.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

We at Armchair Illini are proudly sponsored by Hamilton Walker’s Steak, Seafood, and Spirits. Located in the heart of downtown Champaign, there is no better restaurant for Illini fans to visit. Order online here or call (217) 350-0363 to make a reservation.

For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Publisher at [email protected]. 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!

Thank you for reading Armchair Illini! 

Alex is the Owner of Armchairillini.com, your go-to source for in depth coverage of the Illinois Fighting Illini. Alex is also the head of content creation and editing on Armchair Illini. His expertise has landed articles featured in top media publications like Bleacher Report, YardBarker, Verbal Commits, CBS Sports and more.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Trending