NCAA Basketball: Duke, Michigan State fall in latest top 25 power ranking

24. Illinois (2-0)

Basketball at Illinois has been significantly better since Brad Underwood took over the program and he might have another solid season on his hands this year. The Fighting Illini returned both Terrence Shannon Jr. and Coleman Hawkins and think they have the pieces in this rotation for a more productive campaign after some disappointments last year.

A really slow start on opening night didn’t doom the Illini, who pulled away for an 80-52 win over nearby Eastern Illinois. Shannon had 16 points for the Illini, but freshman Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn starred with 18 off the bench. A few days later, the slow start lingering significantly longer, with the Illini waiting until late in the second half to build a comfortable lead against Oakland, eventually winning 64-53. Shannon led the team with 15 points while newcomer Quincy Guerrier had his first double-double of the season with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Being underwhelmed by the Illini two games into the season is very fair. We’re still understanding how exactly these Illini will play together and it’s clear that these slow starts are going to bite them against tougher competition if they continue. That competition does in fact get tougher next week, featuring a challenging home date against Marquette on Tuesday night. This is clearly also a major opportunity for the Illini to build their resume early in the year.