Illinois Basketball snagged a 23-point win vs Big Ten rival, the Rutgers Scarlett Knights. Steve Pikell’s group, though resilient, was unable to handle the energy from a sold-out State Farm Center, or a returning Terrance Shannon Jr. However, it was Illinois core role players that continued to drive this team to another 20+ point win in 2024.
Terrance Shannon Jr
Though his return to the court in Champaign was electric, the projected All-American certainly did not have his best shooting performance in an Illini uniform. His energy led to big dunks early from Coleman Hawkins and Quincy Guerrier, however, his shot was a bit rusty. Which, is completely to be expected when you are off the court for so long. I would not worry about Shannon’s ability to regain rhythm and get on a hot streak.
Justin Harmon
Harmon led all scoring for the Fighting Illini with 18 points from the floor and nailing down two big ones from deep. His shooting has grown increasingly more consistent in front of our eyes. Justin has taken well to the challenge of picking up the slack from the recent offensive personnel changes and using that to develop his skill set. This Illinois team only develops and strengthens its resume by turning key role players like Harmon into confident leaders.
Quincy Guerrier
Oregon transfer Quincy Guerrier secured his 7th double-double of his career on Sunday—his 5th double-double since transferring to Brad Underwood and the Fighting Illini. Guerrier finished the afternoon with 15 points and 11 rebounds, going 2-3 from behind the arc. To the same tune as Harmon, the more a guy like Quincy can step up and say “I can take over” when needed, is a huge deal. Underwood has developed a group of leaders in this 2024 Illinois group, and fans will be excited to see how Illinois can continue to chip away at this Big Ten schedule.
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