Illinois Basketball: Keys to success for the Fighting Illini in 2019-20
1. Sophomores live up to the hype.
Illinois’ rising sophomore class has the potential to be very special. Although still underclassmen, they will largely be asked to carry the weight this season and that could be difficult to accomplish. Still, the talent in this class was evident during this past campaign and expectations are high for Year 2. At the core of this belief is 6-foot-5 guard Ayo Dosunmu.
Ranked as a top-50 prospect out of high school, Dosunmu lived up to that billing last season by showcasing his abilities on both ends of the floor. While starting 32 games for the Illini, he averaged 13.8 points (.435/.351/.695), 4.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. He is simply a do-it-all star and many expect that he will be heading to the NBA after this coming season.
Additionally, fellow sophomore Giorgi Bezhanishvili was a revelation in the paint last season. Although not a great rebounder or defender, Bezhanishvili emerged as a legitimate starter and scoring option down low for the team. He posted averaged of 12.5 points (.542/.167/.657), 5.2 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks per game. It is no secret that Bezhanishvili is already a solid post option but he showcased potential as a shooter last year as well. There is a reasonable possibility that he improves his range this season and begins to stretch defenses a bit more. That would really help to open up the inside for slashing guards.
Rounding out this sophomore class are Alan Griffin and Tevian Jones. These two wings/forwards averaged fewer than 10 minutes per game last season but could snag pivotal roles in the rotation. Both of them project as strong perimeter shooters with more consistent playing time and Jones looks the part of a potential starter.
On the whole, this sophomore class features two proven commodities as top players in the Big Ten and two solid rotation pieces with the potential to do more. Illinois will need more shooting this season and Griffin/Jones might be able to provide that off the bench or in the starting lineup.