CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The Illini don’t have to be perfect to be elite, they just need discipline.
They must be violent where it counts. And it’s the stuff that doesn’t always get the buzz, but will wear teams down and help you win games: offensive rebounds, deflected balls, second efforts, blocks that turn into downhill transitions.
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Dominance of Possession Exposed
Illinois put on a masterclass in possession control against Missouri in St. Louis, turning a rivalry game with tons of hype into a breeze by the end of the first half. They won the second-chance points battle 29-5, finished +19 on the glass and stopped eight shots. It wasn’t just a victory thanks to good shooting, it was domination in almost every category.
This victory confirmed what many Illini fans already believed: In his day, this team can turn a game around pretty quickly and be one of the most dangerous programs in college basketball.
Illinois already has plenty of lethal weapons on the offensive end. This part is taken care of.
But what can elevate this Illini team to one capable of success in March is figuring out how to create more opportunities.
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If they can control the glass and create extra possessions, they don’t need to shoot well to win games. Missed shots stop being considered mistakes, but instead become three-and-out opportunities for guys like freshman guard Keaton Wagler.
This list was built for possession domination
It’s not that hard to realize that Illinois head coach Brad Underwood selected this roster with a blueprint for what these players could become and how they could fit into the Illini’s gritty style of play.
Keaton Wagler obviously has a nose for putting the ball in the basket, but he possesses a mental maturity that few players possess, one that pushes him to chase down loose balls and offensive rebounds. It’s still unreal to think about how he leads the Illini in offensive rebounds as one of the smallest, skinniest and youngest players on the court. He doesn’t need the ball in his hands to make things happen.
Freshman forward David Mirkovic is still learning how to use his physicality, but when he succeeds, Illinois’ rebounding efficiency takes a huge jump.
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The arrival of Tomislav Ivišić’s twin brother Zvonimir proved to be a huge threat, with 30 blocks in just 13 games.
And veteran guard Kylan Boswell of course, the driving force of the team. He’s been on Underwood’s team long enough to master the art of being a guy who throws a ball, dives on the floor, then calmly hits the open three at the top of the key.
Underwood has been clear all season: offensive rebounding is mandatory and crucial. When Illinois refines this mindset, many pieces of the puzzle will fall into place.
Why it matters ahead of Penn State
In recent years, away games against the Nittany Lions have seen a slower pace and extended droughts in games decided by a handful of possessions.
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In 2024, Illinois lost 90-89 at Philadelphia, a game that saw five lead changes and was decided on the final possession after Penn State closed the second half shooting 54.5% as the Illini couldn’t get a clear look late.
In 2023, the Illini lost 81-93 after losing the rebounding battle and coming away with empty possessions in Philadelphia, victims of Penn State’s slow, physical pace.
This is exactly why this version of Illinois is dangerous.
At La Palestre, the Illini will not knock down all their shots. It’s the kind of environment that requires discipline to have a chance of winning the ball back. A further rebound could end a drought. A Zvonimir block at the rim could diminish Penn State’s confidence.
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Second and third efforts wear down opponents who want to play fundamental basketball like Penn State does. The Illini don’t need to outshoot the Palestra, they just need to win the possession battles.
