Which Illinois Basketball Player Had the Best Spain Trip?

Which Illinois Basketball Player Had the Best Spain Trip?

Illinois Basketball is fresh off of their trip to Spain for a series of exhibitions. Their non-conference schedule was just released and the fall is fast approaching. Despite what happened in the offseason, there is a key theme that Illinois Basketball has seemed lack the past year and a half. Consistency. This was evident once again on the trip to Spain. Terrence Shannon Jr and Coleman Hawkins opened up the trip going a combined 0-10 from three. Shannon Jr followed that up with a 25 point dominant performance. He then followed that one up with a mediocre 3-9 shooting performance.

One player that was consistent was Justin Harmon. In fact, I would argue that Justin Harmon had the best trip to Spain.

Consistency.

Justin Harmon had practically the same statline each game. Overall, the grad transfer averaged 10 points, 5 rebounds and 2.3 steals through the 3 games. He shot 46% from the field, however did not make a 3. One of the most positive signs was that he had a total of 2 turnovers. Harmon had a promising trip after there were practice clips that showed him standing in a corner most of the time. On a team that needs a veteran and a consistent presence, Justin Harmon showed that he can be exactly that. Many people bring up Andres Feliz due to his stature and ability to attack the rim. If Harmon can be a poor man’s version of that, this team will supremely benefit.

Harmon played incredibly well in the NIT tournament. He averaged close to 20 points, and did so against solid competition. He will likely come off the bench in relief of Ty Rodgers, however if he can show a little ability to handle half-court offense, that will only benefit the Illini. Justin Harmon also had the best statline against high-major talent amongst his transfer portal compatriots. He averaged 16.8 ppg 5.6 rebounds 2.3 assists and 1 spg on 45.8 FG%, 38.3 % shooting (4 game sample size)

Transfer Portal Breakdown

Justin Harmon – 6’4” combo guard out of Chicago, averaged 20 pt, 4.5 rbs on 55% FG and 42% 3FG in the postseason #transferportal pic.twitter.com/455JUOvm8e

— ᗩᑎT ᗯᖇIGᕼT (@itsAntWright) April 4, 2023

Dain Dainja?

Dainja also had an outstanding trip, however it was easier for Dainja to beat up on smaller forwards. Dainja also played well enough to show that he should be a starter. Regardless, Illinois Basketball needs a consistent force this year. Like Kofi Cockburn and Jacob Grandison was two years ago, or Da’Monte Williams in 2020, they need a stabilizing force.