Illinois basketball’s freshmen could be even better than we thought

Illinois basketball is officially back…kind of. 

It was Cincinnati, it didn’t count, and Brad Underwood played 12 guys like he was running a science experiment. 

The Illini gave up 96 points, and Underwood himself said they didn’t even scout. If you’re nitpicking for a reason to overreact, I guess you could find one. 

However, the freshman class is one of the many reasons you should believe. 

The retention was real this offseason, prompting fans (and myself) to focus on what was coming back. It seems like no one was talking about what’s new. 

After watching the 105-96 win in Cincinnati, I think they should be. 

Ethan Brown

My apologies, Ethan Brown, I wasn’t familiar with your game.

Brown was the most impressive freshman we saw Saturday. Maybe I was just underestimating what he could bring to this team, but I think most people came away impressed.

It’s clear that Underwood was equally impressed, as Brown earned the start vs. Cincinnati. Yes, the lineup will be altered by the time the season officially begins, but it should be a sign of how much this staff trusts him.

We were spoiled by the calmness Keaton Wagler brought last year. Brown is clearly not Wagler, but he brings the same demeanor to the court, and he never seemed rushed. That’s something the Illini will desperately need, and something that is rare from a freshman.

In 25 minutes he recorded:

• 15 points (5-9 FG, 3-7 3PM)
• 5 rebounds
• 2 assists

But the stat that stood out most? Zero turnovers.

There’s not a glaring weakness in Brown’s game. He’s a natural scorer, putting up over 2,500 points in high school.

He was able to showcase some of that scoring ability Saturday, knocking down a few quick catch-and-shoot threes while getting to the paint and creating his own shot at points.

Just like his freshman counterpart Quentin Coleman, Brown showed relentlessness on the glass, tying for second on the team in rebounds.

Quentin Coleman

There’s a reason Sam Vecenie slotted Coleman at No. 7 in his latest NBA Mock Draft. NBA teams know what they want in a young guard, but so does Underwood.

Rebound. Defend. Facilitate.

Coleman brought all of that, and some, to his first live matchup.

• 14 points (5-9 FG, 2-4 3PM)
• 7 (!) rebounds (led the team)
• 8 assists

If that isn’t the statline of a Brad Underwood guard, I don’t know what is.

The statline doesn’t paint the picture clearly enough either. While roles can certainly change throughout the season, Coleman possesses a motor that fans will see the entire year.

There’s a tenacity to the way he plays that’s evident. You can see the energy he plays with, and it flows through his teammates.

Offensively, Coleman was able to get two feet in the paint with ease, leading to layups or kick-out passes to open teammates and putting his playmaking abilities on notice. Knocking down two triples was a nice sign as well.

If you’re a sucker for a rebounding guard, you’re going to have a new favorite player. It’s one of the biggest reasons he will be such a prominent piece this year.

His length and athletic ability alone allow him to be a threat on the glass. When you complement that with his motor, you get a 6-foot-4 guard who can lead the team in rebounding, just like he did on the FIBA U18 team.

I can’t remember a better rebounding guard in the Underwood era.

Yes, I’m aware that it’s still an exhibition game and roles are bound to change. However, if Coleman is utilized in the regular season like he was against Cincinnati, I see no reason why Illinois can’t have another guard picked in the lottery.

Landon Davis

Frontcourt depth was a worry of mine before Saturday. Landon Davis has helped calm some of those nerves.

The length alone is an eye-opener. The 6-foot-9 forward boasts a 7-foot-3 wingspan, and he used it to his advantage with an impressive block on a three-point attempt by the Bearcats.

He also made a catch-and-shoot three, his only shot attempt.

While there wasn’t much else to go off, I think Davis could provide valuable frontcourt depth to a team that badly needs it. He’s athletic enough to run the floor and make plays defensively, while also able to knock down shots from the perimeter.

As a developmental piece, I’m extremely intrigued to see how Underwood can fit him into this scheme.

Morillo, Williams, Zens

We were able to see all freshman get some action on Saturday. 

It was a short stint for Lucas Morillo. He didn’t have a shot attempt and was ripped while bringing the ball up the court. He got five minutes of playing time. 

Lincoln Williams has been a hot topic this offseason, but it’s clear he needs more time to develop. He had a nice layup for his only points of the game. 

Zavier Zens got his first taste of action as well. In 11 minutes he had three rebounds and two points. He went 0-4 from three, which Brad Underwood expressed surprise in after the match. 

The first look at this freshman class was encouraging.

• Coleman looks like the type of guard Underwood has wanted for years.
• Brown played with confidence that’s hard to find in a first-year player.
• Davis could give the frontcourt some much-needed depth.
• And Morillo, Williams, and Zens have plenty of time to find their footing.

The retention is why Illinois has a high floor, and this freshman class might be why the ceiling is higher than we originally thought.