Illinois Basketball Snubbed From AP Top 25

Illinois Basketball Snubbed From AP Top 25

Illinois Basketball has had an interesting start to the season. Fans certainly hope that this team has not peaked yet. Illinois fans have become all too familiar with incredible highs followed by painful lows. After winning the Big Ten Tournament, the 2020-21 Illini team got drubbed in the round of 32 by lowly Loyola. Briefly after winning the 2022 Big Ten Regular season title at home in Champaign, the Illini dropped two of their next three and was about 50 seconds from a round of 64 loss to Chattanooga. Illinois Basketball shocked the world by beating two top ten teams in UCLA and Texas, however struggled the remainder of the season.

This year, Illinois played outstanding in their exhibition at home vs #1 Kansas. They won that game, however have not reached the same form since that. They have struggled through their first few games against some lesser opponents. Obviously they lost a game at home to number 4 Marquette, however had chances to take control of that game.

Light a fire?

Illinois was ranked number 23 during the game against Marquette. After losing this at home, Illinois unfortunately dropped out of the AP Top 25. This is strange, considering that Michigan State lost a game to James Madison and is still ranked number 21. Florida Atlantic was a final four team, sure. However, they just lost by 9 points at home to Bryant. Arkansas lost at home to UNC-Greensboro, however is still ranked number 20. Ultimately, rankings do not matter. Additionally, Brad Underwood teams seem to do better when the expectations are low.

His teams always require a little bit of extra fire, and seem to thrive with a chip on their shoulder. Illinois can get a chance to improve under the radar.

Laying low

Illinois Basketball has some early scratches and bruises. Coleman Hawkins is nursing a knee injury and should probably sit out until the 12/2 game against Rutgers. Quincy Guerrier has a wrist injury he is playing through that is contributing to his 1-16 3pt shooting start. Terrence Shannon has been attacking the basket with a vengeance but also seems to have some minor injuries. Dravyn Gibbs-Lawhorn stepped on a camera man’s foot to end the game against Southern. Nico Moretti was killing it on the floor, however suffered a foot injury that placed him in a boot.

This team needs to rest up and come back looking more organized as the Big Ten play starts. Perhaps this is a blessing in disguise for Illinois Basketball.

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