Super Scintillating Selections Top 30 Countdown: #28 Illinois Fighting Illini

Another day, another Big Ten team. Today we are digging deeper into the Illini, who currently sit at 17-7 overall, and 8-5 in the conference.

I think it is easiest to think of this team as that one fringe dude you met your sophomore year of college and just kept hanging with. You could either have the time of your life with him, or wind up pulling him out of a ditch wishing you never met. There is no telling what you'll get when signing up for a night with him.

Illinois is one of the most confusing teams in the country. One game they will get solid production from all nine of their players that consistently play, and the very next game they would have a hard time competing with my adult league team. Teams I have trust issues with usually end up getting upset in the first round in my brackets, but there is some tremendous upside to this team which makes it hard for me to give up on them.

Let's get into it. Here is why the Illini can lift the hardware, and what is holding them back.

Why can they win it all?

1. Depth. Nine players averaging over 14 minutes per game is unheard of in today’s game. Part of the reason coach Brad Underwood plays nine guys is because the only consistent player they have had for the entirety of the season has been senior guard Terrance Shannon (16.9 PPG). Having said that, having a deep bench could work in their favor if they make it to the second weekend of the tournament. Having depth during the tournament is crucial because their starters will need to rest at some point, and going to guys who are already comfortable on the court will be a severe advantage for them.

1. Post Presence. Illinois won’t win any height contests, but they are aggressive, and have athletic forwards that make for a versatile post presence. Coleman Hawkins and Dain Dainja are two guys to look out for here. Both big men establish a presence in the paint, pass the ball well, and finish over or around anyone with their post skills. Coleman Hawkins can also shoot the ball well….when he wants to. If he can get his shot going by tournament time and extend his game to behind the arc, this team will be a lot more of a threat.

What is holding them back?

1. Inconsistency. Like I said before, you just don't know what you're going to get. It is quite literally impossible to know. I can’t imagine being a fan of this team, knowing the potential they have and then watching some of the games they have had this season. They have the potential to shoot 45% or more from three, score 80+ points while holding teams to less than 60. All things they have done before this year. They also can shoot less than 20% from three, turn the ball over 18+ times, and give up 90 plus points. You just can't trust a team like this. Although they could get hot, their inconsistency will eventually catch up to them in the tournament.

Illinois still has seven games remaining in the regular season and the Big Ten tournament. So, they can certainly turn things around and catch fire. PLEASE look for consistency from Coleman Hawkins, Terrance Shannon, and Matthew Mayer in these final games before you pick this team to go on a run.

My Prediction: Round of 32 Exit

Next Game: @ Penn State 2/14