The University of Illinois basketball program has a storied history, with a passionate fan base and a track record of success. With the 2021-2022 season just around the corner, fans are eagerly anticipating the team’s performance on the court.
One of the keys to success in college basketball is a strong roster, and the University of Illinois has put together a talented group of players for the upcoming season. In this article, we’ll take a comprehensive look at the 2021-2022 university of illinois basketball roster, including player profiles, coaching staff, and the schedule for the season.
The University of Illinois basketball roster for the 2021-2022 season is a talented and experienced group of players. Led by head coach Brad Underwood, the team has high expectations for the upcoming season.
One of the key returning players is senior guard Trent Frazier, who has been a consistent performer for the Illini over the past three seasons. Frazier has a reputation as a strong defender and can knock down shots from beyond the arc.
Another key player is junior guard Ayo Dosunmu, who was named first-team All-Big Ten last season. Dosunmu is a dynamic scorer and can create his own shot off the dribble. He also has a knack for making clutch shots in big moments.
In addition to Frazier and Dosunmu, the Illini have several other talented players on the roster. Sophomore guard Andre Curbelo showed promise as a freshman last season, and sophomore center Kofi Cockburn was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year.
The Illini also have several newcomers who could make an impact this season. Freshman guard Luke Goode was a highly-rated recruit and is known for his shooting ability. Transfer guard Alfonso Plummer was a standout at Utah and brings experience and scoring to the backcourt.
Player Profiles
Trent Frazier – Senior Guard: Frazier is a leader on and off the court for the Illini. He’s known for his tenacious defense, quickness, and three-point shooting ability. Last season, he averaged 10.2 points per game and shot 36.5% from beyond the arc. Frazier has played in 94 games over his three-year career at Illinois, starting in 90 of them.
Ayo Dosunmu – Junior Guard: Dosunmu is the Illini’s best player and a potential NBA draft pick. He’s a dynamic scorer who can score from anywhere on the floor. Last season, he averaged 20.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game and was named First-Team All-Big Ten. Dosunmu has played in 59 games over his two-year career at Illinois, starting in 54 of them.
Kofi Cockburn – Sophomore Center: Cockburn is a dominant force in the paint for the Illini. He’s a physical presence with great footwork and touch around the rim. Last season, he averaged 13.3 points and 8.8 rebounds per game and was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year. Cockburn has played in 29 games over his one-year career at Illinois, starting in all of them.
Andre Curbelo – Sophomore Guard: Curbelo is a talented playmaker who can score and distribute the ball. He’s known for his flashy ballhandling and creativity on the court. Last season, he averaged 9.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. Curbelo has played in 31 games over his one-year career at Illinois, starting in 10 of them.
Coaching Staff
Head coach Brad Underwood is entering his fifth season at the helm of the Illini basketball program. Underwood has a reputation as a successful coach who emphasizes a fast-paced, aggressive style of play. He has a career record of 174-86 as a head coach, including a 63-49 record at Illinois.
Assistant coaches Chin Coleman and Orlando Antigua bring a wealth of experience to the Illini coaching staff. Coleman is known for his recruiting prowess and has helped bring in several top recruits to the program. Antigua has a strong background in player development and has worked with several NBA players over the course of his career.
Underwood’s coaching philosophy is centered around playing an up-tempo style of basketball that emphasizes pressure defense and ball movement on offense. He’s known for his attention to detail and ability to get the most out of his players. With a talented roster and experienced coaching staff, the Illini are poised for a successful season.
2021-2022 Schedule
The University of Illinois basketball team will face a tough schedule in the 2021-2022 season, with several key matchups and rivalries. The Illini will open the season on November 9th against Jackson State, followed by games against Arkansas State and Marquette.
One of the most anticipated games of the season will be the matchup against in-state rival Northwestern on February 6th. The Illini will also face off against traditional Big Ten powerhouses Michigan State and Ohio State.
The Illini will close out the regular season with a game against Iowa on March 6th. The Big Ten Tournament will take place March 9th-13th, followed by the NCAA Tournament.
Conclusion
The University of Illinois basketball roster for the 2021-2022 season is a talented group of players, led by head coach Brad Underwood. With key returning players like Trent Frazier and Ayo Dosunmu, as well as promising newcomers like Luke Goode and Alfonso Plummer, the Illini have high expectations for the upcoming season.
The schedule for the season is challenging, with several key matchups against top teams in the conference. However, with the talent and experience on the roster, the Illini are poised to compete at a high level.
As fans, it’s important to support the team and show our enthusiasm for the upcoming season. Whether it’s attending games in person or following along from home, we can all play a role in helping to create a positive and supportive atmosphere for the team.
In conclusion, the University of Illinois basketball program has a rich history and a bright future. With a talented roster and a challenging schedule, the Illini are poised to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Let’s support the team and cheer them on to victory!