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Illinois Basketball: 3 takeaways from Skyy Clark taking a leave of absence

By Tristan Freeman

Nov 25, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Skyy Clark (55) drives the ball up court during the first half against the Lindenwood Lions at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Skyy Clark (55) drives the ball up court during the first half against the Lindenwood Lions at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Illinois Basketball head coach Brad Underwood Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Is this the start of Illinois Basketball falling apart?

Heading into the season, the Fighting Illini were a team viewed as having a high ceiling and a low floor. There was a ton of individual talent and athleticism on paper but questions as to how it would fit overall seem to be prevailing at the moment.

I’m not an Illinois hoops insider but between the tense postgame pressers including the players and Coach Brad Underwood, there are definitely some issues going on in the locker room. And rumors online are that it may not be the last of it.

After losing All-American center Kofi Cockburn, it was impressive for Illinois to be ranked in the preseason polls. And this team still has plenty to play for, as non-conference wins over Texas and UCLA will remain great for their resume. And technically, this team still doesn’t have a bad loss to this point, so the NCAA Tournament is very much within grasp.

The question now is whether or now Illinois can break through this adversity to start winning games. They’re at home against Wisconsin on Saturday and have Nebraska right after. If things don’t improve in the locker room or on the court, then the at-large hopes for them really will start to fade.

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