Illinois Basketball Preview 2021

PreviewsNCAAMBig Ten BasketballIllinois Fighting IlliniAP Preseason NCAAM Top 25

Nov 7

Our Illinois basketball preview 2021 - 22 observes that the Fighting Illini did something last year that they had not done since 2005. That is, they won the Big Ten Tournament. After finishing second in the regular season, the Illinois Fighting Illini (24-7 Overall, 16-4 Big Ten) beat Ohio State 91-88 in overtime to secure the conference title. Also, for the first time since 2013, they went to the NCAA Tournament. At the Big Dance, they were knocked out in the Round of 32 by Loyola Chicago 58-71. Going into this season, head coach Brad Underwood (71-56 Illinois/4 years, 180-83 Overall/8 years) has a lot to be optimistic about. Although there have been some key losses, there have also been solid additions to this team. Plus, important Fighting Illini performers from last season return.

Fighting Illini Frontcourt

Perhaps the biggest and most pleasant surprise of the new season is center Kofi Cockburn’s decision to return. Last year, the junior big man averaged 17.7 PPG and 9.5 RPG while sinking 65.4 percent of his field-goal attempts. The second-team All-American is a force on the court. Our Illinois basketball preview 2021 - 22 observes that transfer Omar Payne (Florida), a solid defender and rebounder, will be an asset in the paint. Both Payne and Cockburn can take it to the glass and score. Sophomore small forward Coleman Hawkins has added some bulk in the offseason, which should help with upfront battles. Hawkins, a fine passer with a good mid-range shot, looks ready to enjoy a breakout season. Jacob Grandison adds depth.

Illinois Basketball Preview – Backcourt

With point guard Ayo Dosunmu (20.1 PPG, 5.3 APG) going to the NBA, Illinois will likely see a drop off in production. However, this entire group is solid. As a freshman last season, point guard Andre Curbelo performed well. Averaging 21.5 MPG, he scored 9.1 PPG, brought down 4.0 RPG, and dished off 4.2 APG. Although Curbelo shot 49.8 percent from the field, his three-point success rate was a dismal 16.1 percent. Still, Underwood believes he can bring that mark up a good 15-to-20 percentage points. Senior Trent Frazier is a premium shooter with averages at 40.0/36.2/83.1. Plus, he’s one of the toughest defenders in the Big Ten. Da’Monte Williams can sink threes. Last season, along with completing 51.5 percent of his field goals, Williams knocked down 54.7 percent of his threes. Plus, he can play D and rebound.