When Illinois basketball is healthy they are a Final-Four team

Illinois basketball finally had its full 8-man rotation playing in their win over the USC Trojans. For the first time since January 17th, the Illini had both Kylan Boswell and Andrej Stojakovic available for the game. Boswell suffered a hand injury on January 20th and missed seven games before returning to the court on February 15th vs the Indiana Hoosiers. Stojakovic, on the other hand, suffered a high ankle sprain vs Michigan State and missed two games before ultimately returning vs the Trojans.

The result? Illinois basketball blasted the USC Trojans on the road 101-65. Thanks to the outcome of the game, all eight players played less than 30 minutes. If this 8-man rotation can stay healthy, watch out.

The Metrics

Right now, Illinois basketball is fourth overall in KenPom. They host the number one offense as each one of their 8 players are above average shooters. This type of shooting will prove key to beating a team like the Michigan Wolverines, a team with immense size and interior presence. Outside of Michigan, however, Illinois remains in the top-6 of all major metrics sites, including KenPom, Bart Torvik, and Evan Miya.

What makes this even more impressive is the fact that the Illini have not had their full rotation for around a month of the season. If the Illini can continue to maintain its rhythm and avoid any setbacks with injuries, they are undoubtedly a Final-Four squad.

“We’ve got two teams in Michigan and Illinois that I think are two of the best offenses in the country—the two teams that could go in as two of the favorites to win the national championship.”@TheAndyKatz on No. 1 @umichbball and No. 10 @IlliniMBB #B1GToday pic.twitter.com/3jXy3IpfPs

— Big Ten Men’s Basketball (@B1GMBBall) February 19, 2026

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