We all see the talent on the Illini. But... there is still a gaping hole in this team.
What is the Illini offense right now?
1. Get it in to Kofi.
2. Shoot a Three.
Where is the regular dependable 2-point, mid-range offense coming from? You can’t be a Final Four team if all you’ve got is: get it in to the big man (he gets triple-teamed), or shoot Threes all night.
This is what Arizona showed. Versatility on offense and guys who can create a shot. Inside, outside, and mid-range game superior to the Illini today overall. And... darn good defensive effort on their part. In a hostile environment.
We all knew how Ayo was the shot creator when you needed a hoop. The Illini must find (or develop from the young guys) a new shot creator (under pressure)... not to mention a guy who can get some from 12' to 16'.
Yes, there are games where Get It Into Kofi and Shoot a Three are going to get you some wins. But not when March crunch time comes.
And still... this was a winnable game without all those key turnovers. And when Curbelo returns, he will create some sweet offense but he’s got to avoid that tendency to turn it over as well.
Great, gutty effort by the Illini and a real-Illini style crowd. A shame that the flaws did them in. But nice to see real Illini-style ball environment again.