This is also reflected in the NBA draft - outside of Michigan, the Big 10 has not had a lot of players drafted over the past few years, which is indicative of a lack of talent relative to other conferences. Kofi has been a beast inside for us, but outside that we have been below average in terms of athleticism the past few years. Assuming AC, RJ and Hawkins come back and our freshmen play as expected, this dynamic will change for us starting next yearThis is more reflective of the B1G conference but also applies specifically to Illinois:
-B1G has some star power but style of play doesn't bode well for NCAA tournament success.
-Why do we regularly see scores of less than 30 in the first half?
-Watching NCAA games - it was evident for the most part B1G teams don't take the ball down the lane and finish.
-Mid range jumpers are very effective (high percentage shots)
-Athletes - Seems like other teams have faster, stronger, better jumping athletes who are also good basketball players.