Seems to me that one striking advantage the beloved has is that in the tournament we are playing against teams that have never experienced quite what we present. Sure, they all have played against typical three point shooters, slashers, and post players, but the things that make our guys a bit different is likely an advantage due to uniqueness from each. Sure, there are lots of guys that are terrific players, but a few of our guys I think will surprise our opponents based on what they’re really good at.
In AC teams have not experienced playing against his uniqueness. There is no one that is 6’ tall that lives in the paint like he does. His ability to break down the defense, get into the paint, and then either finish or dish with incredible vision and passing.
In KC, I think it will be a shock as to his sheer strength, size, and power. He can wear down defenders like none other. Sure they all have faced the prototypical big man….but I would surmise that until you start trying to bang with and move Kofi, you just don’t get how dominating he can be.
Plummer not only is a three point shooter, but gets those shots off so quickly. He creates space, has tremendous elevation on his threes, but does so really quickly. Not common.
CH is pure energy and crazy quick twitch explosiveness for rebounding and shot blocking, it can also shoot the three.
“Elite” defense from TF and DW. Likely will be very disruptive to a teams normal flow. We all know TF dominates a teams best player on D…probably a nightmare for him to be glued to the opposing player.
I think playing teams multiple times in the B1G regular season and B1G tournament helps our opponents know what to expect since they’ve experienced these unique qualities multiple times.
Maybe I’m over thinking things, but it seems to me most of our guys with consistent tick have something that is way different from many or most guys playing their respective positions. Hope that theory pans out to be indeed advantage Illinois.
Expecting an Illini victory that is not a nail biter. Then onto a Houston team that we can handle, albeit a more challenging game.
