CHAMPAIGN – The outcome of the Illinois exhibition opening on Saturday night at the State Farm Center was never really in doubt.
Even after the Illinois missed eight shots in a row at the start of the game and only had four marks in their first 15 attempts.
Sooner or later, a deeper, more talented Illinois would find a rhythm against St. Francis – Joliet’s state NAIA program.
To the horror of the Fighting Saints, it was earlier. The breakthrough came with Illinois center Kofi Cockburn, who prevailed offensively. From there it was for the most part smoothly in a runaway 101-34 show win.
The real lessons from a 67-point win for No. 11 Illinois against an NAIA program were broader topics, even though five players finished in double digits. Cockburn and Austin Hutcherson finished with 14 points each, Coleman Hawkins scored 13 points, Andre Curbelo had 11 points and Trent Frazier added 10 points.
Underwood and his team discussed playing at a faster pace several times this preseason. Saturday was the result.
Defensive rebounds – and there were many, as St. Francis missed 40 shots and shot a total of 24.5 percent off the field – followed a concerted effort to push the ball up. Illinois’ uptempo style got a little wild on occasion and Curbelo had five turnovers, but those are mistakes Underwood made that he’ll live with in order to keep Curbelo’s creativity on the court.
What Illinois did on the defensive against St. Francis was also the product of a new team. The Illinois have a deeper rotation, bringing a ridiculous length off the bench with Hawkins, Hutcherson and Omar Payne. Contested shots for the Saints – if Frazier and his six steals even got them in a position to score – were the norm.
The win against St. Francis was only the first step for Illinois as it comes to its inaugural game against Jackson State on November 9th. The level of competition should rise next Friday night against Division II Indiana (Pa.) To have a real test of where the Illinois stand before the season gets real.
Almost 600 days had passed between home games with fans at the State Farm Center when Illinois tipped a tip in its first exhibition game of the 2021/22 season against St. Francis on Saturday night.
“Last year it was very different to get out of here without anyone,” said Frazier. “Me and the boys are super excited to have everyone back here. We are excited to have Orange Krush back and to be under the lights of the State Farm again with life in here. State Farm Center and this life behind our backs is amazing in here. “
The crowd on Saturday couldn’t quite keep up with the last home game with the fans in attendance, but the last game of the regular season of the 2019-20 season was something special. A top four finish in the Big Ten was at stake, along with a double-bye for the NCAA tournament. Iowa was the enemy that stood in the way.
The atmosphere for that game was exactly what Illinois coach Brad Underwood had in mind when he took the Illinois job three years ago.
“That day was special,” said Underwood. “That day was electric. This building was one of the most difficult places in the country that day. … I think it’s great where our brand is and how we continue to grow. We’re not even close to my destination yet, but we’re starting to get there. It must not be let up. Our fans are the best and our passion. We sold out Orange Krush tickets in less than three hours.
“Just the thought of having 15,000 here again inspires me and I’m curious to see how our boys will react to that. … fans play college basketball. Student departments do college basketball. College basketball is just as much about the name on the front of the shirt and that passion because it draws so many people into being a part of it and creates great, great memories. “
Underwood planned two exhibition games to regain his team experience in front of the State Farm Center spectators – especially the newbies, second graders, and transfers – and to give fans more opportunities to see the team after an entire missed season of chances 2020- 21.
The make-up of the Illinois preseason games could have been different, however. Underwood could have opted for a “secret” scrimmage and exhibition. It just didn’t outweigh what he thought Underwood could benefit his team at two shows.
“There’s no doubt that scrimmage has its advantages,” Underwood said. “We could meet another high major team somewhere and hit our heads and go for it and be in control of it. … We have a large group of people who need to feel this energy (at the State Farm Center). “
Illinois enters the 2021-22 season and is ranked No. 2 in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency in Ken Pomeroy’s preseason rankings. The Illinois finished seventh last season on that particular metric and it’s a focus of this year’s team to be even better defensively.
“I hope we can position ourselves to be where KenPom placed us in the preseason,” joked Underwood. “We won’t make it without … we have to get tougher. We just have to get tougher. Since this is a solid assignment, we will grow in it. Are we going to make mistakes early? Definitely, but unless we develop some toughness and courage and fight, and take that beyond some of our veterans, we will not reach that number. “
Frazier is one of those veterans Illinois will rely on defensively at the start of the season. The Wellington, Florida native was an All-Big Ten Defensive Team last season, and he has his sights set on Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year this season as well.
“Just bringing the energy to be a leader,” said Frazier, adding that it was important for him to pass this defensive mindset on to his teammates. “Of course everything is new with the younger ones. I need to keep talking and challenging them in various areas that they feel uncomfortable with and just keep helping them compete and put in tremendous efforts. This is my whole thing. Continue to compete every day and help them with everything. “
Underwood’s goal is to help Hutcherson become one of Illinois’ best defenders.
The Illinois manager praised Hutcherson’s skills as a defender during the 2019-20 season while sitting out after joining Division III Wesleyan University (Conn.).
Illinois staff regularly sent Hutcherson defensive to Ayo Dosunmu this season.
“One of the greatest things for Hutch is that he has the chance to become an elite defender,” said Underwood. “Great speed. Great length. Sportiness. He’s a guy I want to see is filth. “
