Illinois Basketball: Three Positives from Ole Miss Exhibition

Illinois basketball lost their charity exhibition to the Ole Miss Rebels 91-74. The game was out of reach after the first four minutes. The exhibition was a snapshot of some of the early season struggles that the Illini will likely endure. However, with the season about a week away, there were some positives that the Illini could draw from the exhibition loss.

Dravyn Gibbs-Lawhorn belongs

Dravyn Gibbs-Lawhorn had a great game on Sunday. The sophomore guard looked like the one player that had experience and looked comfortable. His motor and ability to create are huge for this team as they figure out roles. Gibbs-Lawhorn may not be in the starting lineup, however, he may have a significant role. His ability to put rim pressure and hound ball-handlers is vital to this team starting off the season on the right foot. I fully expect Gibbs-Lawhorn to have a great game in the season opener vs Eastern Illinois.

Ivisic looked Comfortable

Tomislav Ivisic still has not received clearance from the NCAA. However, it was nice to see Ivisic get in the game. The 7 footer adds so much to what the Illini want to do. He has an outstanding touch around the rim and can even step out and shoot the three. If cleared by the NCAA, Ivisic gives Illinois basketball an option for easy baskets in the half-court. If it was not evident in Sunday’s exhibition, the Illini certainly need that.

Morez Johnson Jr. adds a different dimension

Morez Johnson Jr. had 6 rebounds in 13 minutes and also had two impressive dunks. The Chicago native is a highly touted freshman. However, he does get a little overshadowed by the hype that Kasparas Jakucionis and Tomislav Ivisic bring. On Sunday, Johnson Jr. held his own. He may struggle with free throws and defensive communication as all true freshmen bigs do. However, Johnson Jr. has intriguing athleticism and a motor that the Illini simply otherwise do not have. If Ivisic is cleared for eligibility, Johnson Jr has the perfect role as the energy man off the bench. There will certainly be a game where Morez impacts the game with his motor and athleticism.

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