I think Snake's relatively low production his first year was more a function of lack of minutes (reflecting Lou's general preference for experience and the experienced depth on the front line that year with upperclassmen Winters, Montgomery, Welch and Meents) than his not being ready to produce. And he was producing by the end of the season.
Of the 8 rotation players averaging more than 15 minutes per game, Snake's per 40 minute averages his first year were quite good (19.7 pts, 1st; 9.3 rebounds, 3rd; 1.4 blocks, 2nd; and 63.2% FG%, 1st) and overall compared favorably to each of the upperclassmen playing in front of him.
Link His per 40 averages the next season when he was a full-time starter and the team's leading scorer (20.7 pts, 8.9 rebounds, 1.0 blocks and 64.1%) were comparable, and ramped up his senior year.
After Montgomery got injured, he got more of an opportunity and ended his first season with the Illini as a starter (in front of Meents) on a Sweet 16 team. He started all 3 games in the NCAA tournament, averaging 15.7 points and 8.3 rebounds in 36 minutes per game.
