The University of Illinois basketball program has had it's ups and downs, this season especially. They've had wins against Ohio State, Gonzaga, and Maryland but losses against Penn State, Purdue, and Mizzou.
The Ups
The Illini are very streaky. But when they're on, they're on. Against the #5 team in the nation, Ohio State, Brandon Paul had one of the most remarkable games in Illini history. BP3 dropped 43 points and 8-10 from beyond the three-point line.
Paul is not the only one to have shining moments. Meyers Leonard has shown moments of greatness during the season. Leonard has had 5 double-doubles this season and very many game-changing moments.
Sam Maniscalco was a blessing in disguise early in the year. Maniscalco is a 5th year senior transfer from Bradley. Sam transferred because Bradley did not have one of the classes he needed to take for his degree. He began the year dishing dimes and hitting shots.
Joseph Bertrand has also been an emerging star. I have always seen the talent in him, but he has never had the confidence to show it. Streaks of 12 and 13 consecutive made shots have highlighted his great recent explosion. Because of it his playing time has dramatically increased.
The Downs
The 15-3 record may seem promising, but the downs have seemed to overweigh the ups. Meyers Leonard must be hungry. Hungry for the basketball that is. There have been games where Meyers is not receiving the ball down low. Although, he must be stronger. Must finish strong and not drift out to the three-point line. When Leonard stays strong down low and uses his size over smaller defenders, that is when he has great games. But in many games he plays smaller than he is and wants to be a point guard. He wants to step out, shoot the deep ball and make passes. That is not his role. He must stick to the 2-16 foot range and score down low.
Leonard has not been the only inconsistent factor for the Illini this season. Brandon Paul's shooting has been off and on. You can often tell when his shot is going to be on for the night and when it is going to be on. His form changes from time-to-time.
What the Illini need to change
They need to run a more efficient offense. Move the ball and find easier shots. More penetration and less settling for jump shots. More post feeds and less dribbling around the perimeter. They need to stop playing to the level of their competition. Against bad teams, they play bad. Against great teams, they play great.
The Illini do have a promising future, but they do need to worry about right now. It should be interesting to watch the Illini for the rest of the season.
No comments:
Post a Comment