Illinois Basketball Leads Nation in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency

Illinois Basketball Leads Nation in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency

Illinois Basketball fans did not really know what to expect coming into the 2023-2024 season. Last year was an incredibly frustrating year, however, Brad Underwood reached into the transfer portal to attempt to supplement the return of his two stars. One notable transfer portal saga for the Illini was that of RayJ Dennis. Dennis was one of the top transfer portal guards in America and was rumored to be leaning towards a return to his home state. Despite that, RayJ’s recruitment took around two months to finalize. After a massive investment of time and resources, Dennis spurned Illinois Basketball for the Baylor Bears.

Fans were worried. The Illini did not have a “true point guard” on the roster and many believed that the half-court offense would be a massive problem.

Kenpom number 1 in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency

Illinois Basketball currently has the number one offense per Kenpom. Per BartTorvik, Illinois is tied for the top spot in adjusted offensive efficiency with the reigning national champs, UConn. UConn will play their round of 32 game tonight, hence Illinois may have a short reign at that top spot. However, it is truly impressive that Brad Underwood and his staff found a way to flip the offensive switch. Last year, the Illini ranked 68 in the same category.

Illinois still ranks as one of the poorer defenses in America, however, they have shown some recent improvements. Additionally, we know that they have the tools to be effective defensively. Terrence Shannon Jr, Coleman Hawkins, and Ty Rodgers are all capable and athletic enough to hold their own. The stronger the Illini’s defense is, the stronger their offense will be as they can use it to get out in transition.

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 [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!