PHOTO: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect
Brad Underwoods Illinois team dove head first into a really tough stretch of matchups for the 24ht ranked Fighting Illini.
The Terrance Shannon Jr. led squad, kicked things off with a 18 point, dominant win over the Rutgers Scarlett Knights at Jersey Mikes Arena, formally known as the RAC. Not quite what was expected for Illinois coming off of that long stretch of break, but rust never seemed to be an issue for the Illini vs Steve Pickell’s talented unit.
A great sign that Underwoods unit took full advantage of time to spare, got healthy, and got to work on some new sets. There was a lot of positives to take away from this game, and it’s not a shock to see Illinois creeping up in ten Ken Pom rankings. Currently, the Illini rest at no. 18 in the Kenpom.com rankings.
Terrance Shannon Jr
Terrance is having a monster start to the 2024 season, and this dominant win over Rutgers was a full on display of the sheer ability this kid brings to the court. To absolutley no shock, Shannon Jr. accounted for a double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Going 4-7 from behind the arc has been a refreshing consistency for this Illinois team. Luke Goode and others have been major contributors from 3-point range, but none more consistent than the shooting ability thus far of Terrance Shannon. I love to see how aggressive Terrance has gotten with flying around the paint and getting to the rim. The ability has always been there, and we have seen the aggression at times, but Shannon looks like Ayo when he commits to the drive, and gets to the bucket.
Marcus Domask
The former Saluki of Southern Illinois has been a major contributor to a very good Big Ten team, and looks the part. Domask was the Illini’s second most productive player on the court vs Rutgers, and nearly found himself with a double-double on the day. Marcus finished the day with 15 points overall, second to Shannon’s 23, getting tough points around the rim, really boasting his strength and athleticism for the Illini. Brad Underwood really landed a really good one here in Domask as a transfer, and seeing his contribution come to fruition so early on in the process is a great sign to come for this Illinois team moving forward.
Quincy Guerrier
Speaking of contributing transfers…
The former Oregon Duck has also made himself a very solid contributor for this 24th ranked Illini team, as well as another recruiting win paying dividends to this staff. He certainly didn’t post up eye-popping numbers for the Illini vs Rutgers, but 7 points, 6 rebounds, and going 1-1 from behind the arc is a very solid stat line from your rotation big man. Guerrier is more of a “gunslinger” big man, and is not afraid to throw it up when he has an open look. I love the aggression from Quincy, and foresee him continuing to be a solid contributor along with Coleman Hawkins and Dain Dainja.
Overall, a very solid outing for Illinois vs a talented (5-2) Rutgers team. Being able to hold high scoring players like Cliff Omoruyi to only 7 points, and Aundre Hyatt to 9. A great look for this Illini team, especially when you are just adding Coleman Hawkins back into rotation after an injury. Holding a Steve Pickell team to 33% shooting overall is impressive always, and Underwood was quoted saying “That’s something I feel really good about.”
Brad Underwood should feel really good about this team right now. Despite the fact however, that the 24 hours rule needs to go into effect, as the Illini prepare to take on the #13 ranked FAU Owls as part of the Jimmy V classic.
Illinois Tips off vs #10 FAU at Madison Square Garden, in New York City at 5:30 pm.
Comments