Illinois Basketball Gearing Up To Make A Run At Rising 5
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The Illinois Fighting Illini basketball team is gearing up to make a run at the Rising 5 in the upcoming season. After a disappointing 2021-22 campaign that saw them finish 17-15 and miss the NCAA Tournament, the Illini have made several key additions to their roster and are confident that they have what it takes to compete with the nation's elite.
Talented Roster
The Illini's roster is headlined by a trio of talented sophomores in guard Skyy Clark, forward Matthew Mayer, and center Dain Dainja. Clark is a 5-star recruit who was ranked as the No. 1 point guard in the 2022 class, and he is expected to be a major contributor for Illinois this season. Mayer is a 6-foot-9 forward who transferred from Baylor, and he is expected to provide the Illini with a much-needed boost in athleticism and scoring. Dainja is a 6-foot-9 center who transferred from Baylor, and he is expected to provide the Illini with a strong presence in the paint.
In addition to their talented sophomores, the Illini also have a number of experienced players who are expected to make major contributions this season. Senior guard Terrence Shannon Jr. is a transfer from Texas Tech, and he is expected to be the Illini's leading scorer. Senior forward Coleman Hawkins is a versatile player who can score inside and out, and he is expected to be a major factor for the Illini on both ends of the court.
Tough Schedule
The Illini will have a tough schedule this season, but they are confident that they have the talent to compete with anyone. They will open the season with a non-conference game against Eastern Illinois on Nov. 7, and they will then face a number of tough opponents in the Big Ten Conference. The Illini will also play a number of non-conference games against ranked opponents, including a game against No. 3 Purdue on Dec. 10.
Expectations
The expectations are high for the Illini this season, and they are confident that they can make a run at the Rising 5. They have a talented roster, a tough schedule, and a lot of experience. The Illini are ready to prove that they are one of the best teams in the country.
"We have a lot of talent on this team, and we're excited to see what we can accomplish this season," said Illinois head coach Brad Underwood. "We know that we're going to have a tough schedule, but we're confident that we can compete with anyone."
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Illinois Basketball Gearing Up To Make A Run At Rising 5