Ayrton Oneill
Will Leitch, a contributing editor at New York Magazine, columnist for The Washington Post, national correspondent for MLB.com, and founder of the sports website Deadspin, has written extensively about Illinois basketball. Leitch, a University of Illinois alumnus, has offered insights and power rankings for the Illini men's basketball team, highlighting players like Ayo Dosunmu and Kofi Cockburn. He has also reflected on the team's performance and its impact on the program's reputation. Leitch's passion for Illinois basketball is evident, and his contributions provide an in-depth perspective on the team's standing and potential.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Author | Will Leitch |
| Author's Alma Mater | University of Illinois |
| Author's Occupation | Contributing editor at New York Magazine, columnist for The Washington Post, national columnist for MLB, and the founder of the sports website Deadspin |
| Team | Illinois Men's Basketball |
| Ranking | Ranked 21st by Andy Katz, 25th by AP, and 16th by Coaches |
| Opponent | Tennessee Volunteers |
| Score | Lost to No. 1 Tennessee |
| Record | 7-3 |
| Star Player | Ayo Dosunmu |
| Notable Players | Trent Frazier, Samba Kane, Greg Oboigbodin, Nnanna Egwu, Kofi Cockburn |
| Coach | Brad Underwood |
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What You'll Learn
Illinois basketball's inconsistent performance
Illinois men's basketball has had a turbulent few years, with inconsistent performances across the board. The team has experienced a mix of thrilling victories and disappointing defeats, causing fluctuations in their ranking and leaving fans uncertain about their prospects.
In the 2019-20 season, Illinois basketball generated a lot of excitement, with a top 10 prospect, talented players, and the "Underwood Intensity" all coming together. However, their performance that season was underwhelming, as they finished with a 12-21 record, the worst winning percentage since 1974-75. This inconsistency has continued into more recent seasons, with the team showing glimpses of brilliance but failing to maintain a consistent level of performance.
One of the key issues affecting the team's performance has been the reliance on individual players. Ayo Dosunmu, a former recruit, was expected to be a paradigm-changing player for Illinois, but he did not live up to the expectations. The team has also struggled with close games, losing several matches they were expected to win. This inconsistency has led to doubts among fans and uncertainty about the team's future prospects.
Illinois basketball has shown potential, with talented players and dedicated fans, but they have yet to find the consistency needed to rise through the rankings. The team's performance has been characterized by ups and downs, with memorable victories overshadowed by unexpected defeats. This inconsistency has resulted in a lack of stability in their ranking and has left fans yearning for a return to glory.
Despite the inconsistent performance, there have been moments of brilliance and reasons for optimism. The team has shown glimpses of their potential, and individual players have stood out, such as Kofi Cockburn, who has impressed with his comfort and command on the court. Additionally, the team's ranking has improved, moving up to 30th after a close game with the Vols. While Illinois basketball has struggled with consistency, there is hope that they can turn things around and deliver more stable performances in the future.
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Trent Frazier's talent
Trent Frazier is a talented basketball player who has proven his skill and worth time and again. Frazier is a shooting guard born on September 8, 1998, in Wellington, Florida, standing at six feet two inches (1m88 / 6-2).
Frazier's talent was evident early on in his freshman year, where he averaged 12.5 points, 3.1 assists, and 1.8 rebounds per game. He even led all Big Ten Conference freshmen in scoring, assists, steals, and three-pointers made per game, an impressive feat. During his freshman season, he scored 32 points against Wisconsin at the State Farm Center, the third-highest points ever scored by a freshman in a single game in Illinois history.
Frazier continued to impress in his sophomore year, averaging 13.7 points, 2.6 assists, and 2.3 rebounds per game. He also had notable performances against Iowa, scoring 27 points and making a buzzer-beating three-pointer to send the game into overtime.
In his junior year, Frazier took on a complementary role to Ayo Dosunmu, averaging 9.1 points and 1.9 assists per game. He reached the #5 spot on the Illini men's basketball career scoring list during the 2021-22 season, solidifying his place as one of the top players.
Frazier's talent has taken him overseas, signing with the Serbian team FMP for the 2022-23 season. On January 3, 2023, he set a career-high in points, scoring 45 points against Mornar-Barsko z in the Adriatic - Liga ABA game. He also demonstrated his all-around ability in this game, grabbing 4 rebounds, dishing out 9 assists, and making 1 steal.
Frazier's talent and impact on the court have been undeniable, and he has consistently shown his ability to contribute to his team's success. His scoring prowess, coupled with his passing and rebounding abilities, make him a well-rounded and valuable player.
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Ayo Dosunmu's impact
Quamdeen Ayopo "Ayo" Dosunmu is an American professional basketball player for the Chicago Bulls in the NBA. He played college basketball for the Illinois Fighting Illini, earning consensus first-team All-American honours in his junior season.
Dosunmu is considered one of the most popular Illinois basketball players ever, with a significant impact on the team's recruiting pitch. His success and popularity have become a rallying cry for other Illini sports, with coaches citing him as an example for in-state prospects.
Dosunmu's impact on the court was also significant. He was named to the All-Big Ten Freshman Team and was an honourable mention for the All-Big 10 Team in his freshman season. He averaged 13.8 points and 3.3 assists per game. In his junior season, he recorded impressive stats, including 28 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in his season debut, and a career-high 36 points against Missouri. He also registered two triple-doubles during that season.
Dosunmu's performance in the 2020-21 season earned him consensus first-team All-American honours and the Bob Cousy Award as the top point guard in the nation. He then declared for the 2021 NBA draft, ending his three-year career with Illinois. He was selected by his hometown team, the Chicago Bulls, with the 38th pick.
Overall, Ayo Dosunmu's impact on Illinois basketball is undeniable, both during his time with the team and in his legacy that continues to inspire and attract new talent to the program.
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Kofi Cockburn's dominance
Cockburn's skills and physical attributes have made him a standout player. He is comfortable and in charge whenever he is on the floor, and his ability to hit free throws sets him apart. His performance has been so impressive that he has even drawn comparisons to NBA greats, with some believing he could become a superstar in his own right. Cockburn's dominance continued in Japan, where he averaged 19.9 points and 13.0 rebounds per game, leading the league in rebounds.
Cockburn's impact on the Illinois basketball program cannot be overstated. He was instrumental in the team's return to prominence, and his decision to forgo his senior season to pursue a professional career in Japan demonstrates his ambition and dedication to the sport. Cockburn's talent and work ethic have earned him a place in the NBA, where he participated in the 2022 NBA Draft Combine and was a part of the Utah Jazz Summer League team.
Cockburn's dominance on the court has been a key factor in the Illinois basketball team's success and resurgence. His size, skills, and presence have made him a pivotal player, and his impact will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy on the program.
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The Illini's NCAA ranking
The Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball team has had a tumultuous history, with a passionate fanbase that has longed for a return to glory. In the 2019-20 season, the Illini were ranked in the top 25, with a record of 9-3 and a 1-1 Big Ten record. They were placed at #22 in the AP poll, and their NCAA NET ranking was #9.
The Illini's previous season had been disappointing, with a 12-21 record, but the 2019-20 season brought new hope with a top 10 prospect and talented players like Trent Frazier, Ayo Dosunmu, and Kofi Cockburn. Will Leitch, a sports journalist and University of Illinois alumnus, has written about the team's potential and his own passion for them. He notes that the Illini are capable of inconsistent performances but remain a talented and likable team.
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Frequently asked questions
Will Leitch is a sports journalist and commentator who has written extensively about the Illinois men's basketball team. He has expressed his strong interest in the team, stating that he thinks about them constantly. Leitch has praised the team's talent and likability, while also acknowledging their inconsistencies. He has also highlighted the impact of players like Ayo Dosunmu and Kofi Cockburn, and expressed his desire to see the team succeed.
Will Leitch has mentioned several notable players in his rankings and commentary on the Illinois men's basketball team. One key player is Ayo Dosunmu, who Leitch believes could go down in Illinois basketball history if he continues to perform well and leads the team back to the tournament. Another important player is Kofi Cockburn, who has made a significant impact despite his limited experience. Cockburn's performance has even caused coach Brad Underwood to change his coaching philosophy. Other players mentioned include Trent Frazier, Samba Kane, Greg Oboigbodin, and Nnanna Egwu.
The power rankings for the Illinois men's basketball team have varied over the years. In 2019-20, the team was unranked, but there was excitement about their potential with a top 10 prospect and talent surrounding him. In 2024, the team was ranked 7-3 by Jason Langendorf, and they were placed at No. 21 by Big Ten Network analyst and NCAA correspondent Andy Katz. However, they were unable to break into the AP Top 25 after a loss to Tennessee. In 2025, the team experienced a dispiriting trend, losing four upsets in as many weeks, which affected their rankings.
Will Leitch is a well-known sports journalist and commentator. He is a contributing editor at New York Magazine, a columnist for The Washington Post, a national correspondent for MLB.com, and the founder of the sports website Deadspin. He has also written several books, including novels like "How Lucky" and "The Time Has Come." Leitch graduated from the University of Illinois in 1997 and has a strong interest in the Illinois men's basketball team, often providing commentary and analysis on their performance.
