Illinois enters Sunday’s noon CT matchup against Indiana as the eighth-ranked team in the nation, presenting a significant challenge for Hoosiers coach Darian DeVries. The Illini’s success this season is rooted in their balance, versatility, and size, a combination that has proven demanding for opponents to overcome.
A Balanced Attack
Illinois boasts a top-rated offense with five players averaging over 10 points per game and three more contributing at least five. They are also 13th nationally in rebounding, with seven players consistently grabbing more than four rebounds per game. This depth of scoring and rebounding prowess makes Illinois a formidable opponent.
Wagler: A Key Focus for Indiana
While Illinois presents challenges across the board, freshman Keaton Wagler stands out as a particularly dangerous player. Averaging 21.8 points while shooting 46.0 percent from three-point range in conference play, Wagler is a strong contender for Big Ten Player of the Year. His ability to score and create for others makes him a primary focus for the Indiana defense.
DeVries acknowledged Wagler’s impact, stating, “He’s tough…They do such a solid job of putting you in situations where you gotta choose if you wanna switch or if you wanna commit two to the ball, and then he makes the right decision.”
Defensive Strategy
Indiana faces a strategic dilemma in defending Wagler, a 6-foot-6 point guard. The Hoosiers’ primary point guards, Conor Enright and Tayton Conerway, are both at least three inches shorter, potentially creating a mismatch. However, assigning taller players like Lamar Wilkerson or Nick Dorn to guard Wagler could leave Indiana vulnerable in other areas.
Despite allowing numerous three-point attempts, Illinois isn’t necessarily giving up uncomplicated looks. DeVries noted, “You still gotta do things to get yourself into spots to create those opportunities…they’re still gonna make it difficult.” The Illini’s size, including 7-footers Tomislav and Zvonimir Ivisic, makes scoring in the paint a challenge as well.
What’s Next?
If Indiana attempts to limit Wagler’s opportunities, Illinois’s balanced scoring attack could exploit any defensive lapses. Conversely, focusing too heavily on Wagler could open up opportunities for other Illini players. Indiana could attempt to force turnovers and disrupt Illinois’s offensive flow, but the Illini’s size and rebounding ability could limit second-chance opportunities for the Hoosiers. Indiana will need a near-perfect performance to overcome Illinois’s multifaceted strengths.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Illinois a difficult opponent?
Illinois’s success stems from their balance, versatility, and size, making them challenging to defend against. They have five players averaging 10-plus points per game and are 13th nationally in rebounding.
Who is Keaton Wagler?
Keaton Wagler is a freshman for Illinois averaging 21.8 points and shooting 46.0 percent from three-point range in conference play. He is considered a potential Big Ten Player of the Year.
What is Illinois’s defensive philosophy regarding three-point attempts?
Illinois coach Brad Underwood prefers to allow opponents to take lower-percentage three-point attempts rather than high-percentage two-point attempts, a strategy that is now central to their game plan.
How will Indiana attempt to counter Illinois’s strengths on Sunday?
