Illini Shock the World, Dump No. 1 Kansas, 82-75

By Jeff Mayfield

[October 30, 2023] 

It’s always good to play quality, tough teams early in the season. That way you can see what you’ve got and identify early in the season things you need to work on to be ready for March. The Illini did just that last night in the Maui Strong Classic at Assembly Hall upsetting the No. 1 team in all the land, Kansas, 82-75! By the way, the game produced over $1 million to go to the rebuilding of Maui and Lahaina and I love the concept of helping those in great pain and need.

Several things stood out to us [although I’m having a rough time getting used to not having my sidekick son along with his insightful game breakdowns] and of course we’ll name our 3 stars from the epic performance.

On Thursday of this past week our basketball reporter Greg Taylor asked me my thoughts on the upcoming season cause we had both heard some negative comments from some sources and this is what I texted Greg: “I’m a hopeless homer but…I’m optimistic! I think it’ll take time and I’m worried that there’s not enough balls for this many players! I think we will shoot the 3 better and cut down on our turnovers a bit. I think our defense will be solid and our rebounding will be ok. We must shoot free throws better and find better ways to close out games. But I am optimistic-maybe 22 wins-3rd place in the league-and make it to the 2nd weekend! Give me your thoughts?”
Little did we think or know at the time that we had a pretty good recipe for success right there in our text thread!

And what’s up with the continual lack of respect for Illini basketball? No. 25 in the national rankings? Are you kidding me? You go by what they are not what you think they’re going to do or be. You go by what you know and see - you don’t carry over any past disappointments or track records. This team is not last year’s team or any other season’s team. This team looks to us somewhere between numbers 10-15…but No. 25? That’s disgusting and insulting! Give us a break! Looking like No. 1 right about now wouldn’t you say? Those rock chalk Jayhawkers are still shaking their heads wondering what just hit them.

Former Michigan big man, Hunter Dickinson [now 0-5 all-time versus the Illini=I love that stat!] and the rest of the Jayhawks thought they were gonna waltz right into the State Farm Center, push us around, have their way with us, and strut their No 1 aura in a cake walk. That didn’t happen. And maybe it’s just me but I love to watch KU go down in any fashion any time I can!

Who got it done?

#1 - Terrance Shannon, Jr.

…he was everywhere. Scoring on the wings, breaking ankles with his deadly crossovers, in transition, and at the free throw line. Just a virtuoso 28-point performance in every way! He was 8 for 13 from the field including 5 of 9 from distance and 7 of 10 from the line. I also love the way he talks about our program, our team, and our goals! I for one am glad he’s back.

#2 - Coleman Hawkins

I seriously thought about putting CH as the #1 star cause he’s so important to the success of the whole operation. I felt he improved a lot last year but would love to see him work on his intangibles, more nuances of the game, and just striving for total consistency. We saw all of those things last night and it was a thing of beauty. Sometimes Coleman is too unselfish for his own good. We’d like him to take over and just dominate! At times in this contest, he did just that. He dotted the I in a big way in this game and we hope to see a lot more of that this season! He had 14 points with 4 big 3-pointers and 5 rebounds. And just good leadership throughout the night. Glad you’re back too, Coleman!

#3 - Quincy Guerrier

I wasn’t sure what we were going to have with our transfers. I’m not the biggest fan of the portal but you have to use it and use it wisely to keep up with the Joneses and the Kansans! And if Guerrier is any indication of the kind of talent we can acquire, I may soon change my opinion of the portal! Not likely, but maybe! Quincy came up big when it mattered most going on a personal 8-straight point streak that showed off a deadly 3-pointer from the corner! He was also 8 for 10 from the line in a game where free throws were critically important to the victory! He tallied 13 points and hauled down 9 huge caroms!

Honorable Mention - Marcus Domask

What a mature, seemingly complete ball player. Knows where to be, what to do, doesn’t turn the ball over and I guess is a career 90% free throw shooter! What’s not to like? Did I mention how much I love the transfer portal? Just kidding! He was an efficient 4 of 9 from the field including a dagger 3-pointer at a time it was needed and 5 big rebounds.

Honorable Mention - Ty Rodgers

In his first big contest as the point guard, Ty acquitted himself well. He came up with 3 of our 8 assists, 7 points, 3 rebounds and only 3 turnovers. His intensity and purposeful play will get it done!

Illinois shot 45% from the field and 41% from 3-point distance. The Illini committed 3 late turnovers resulting in sad, empty possessions, but only ended up with 14 turnovers on the night-which is not bad against such an elite team.

What a great night! It’s always great to take down the No. 1! But you know what’s better? Being the No. 1. I’ve always thought that Illinois is supremely positioned to become the next blue blood and I’d sure like to see it sooner than later! Wouldn’t you? Oskeewawa!

[By JEFF MAYFIELD]

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