LIVE POD: Illini rout Penn State 91-52 without Kasparas Jakucionis

[@TruthMatters22]

Johnson’s presence and dominance around the rim will be so important against Mich State and in the tourney. Really fun to watch how smart and athletic he is in that space.

[@thehappyhermit01]

This team just has so many weapons. When u have 6 or 7 guys who can go off any given night, what can teams do?

[@TruthMatters22]

Love this team! When I heard they had a point guard from Lithuanian I knew this team would be a very interesting team to watch - that country builds basketball savants. But it is the whole team and how good they are across the board shooting,driving, passing and defending. They have grown leaps and bounds since the beginning of the year. Sky is the limit for this team.

[@Charlesthetraveler]

I L L. We look for real. I think we have the best shot to win the whole thing since 2004-2005. The 3rd best shot was last year. Excluding the 89 team.

[@JeanNash-k9t]

There's always room for improvement, I think we have the guards in conference at least, maybe the nation; offensively and defensely. Illinois is a contender, not a pretender. Great game.

[@JeanNash-k9t]

BEST

[@anthonyv8780]

I think you guys need to talk more about Brad being positive with these guys and allowing them to go be ball players. Go watch Marcus on the Windy City Bulls (Great highlights). Ben is capable of that, always has been but when you tell him to sit in the corner (that’s all you can do), he regressed. He attacked the basket a few times and now the defense and 3s followed. Same with DGL. Will is next on the list with finding his confidence. I thought he had a big block last night which is a step in the “I’m a lottery pick” and prove it to his opponents direction. ILL… all love!

[@TruthMatters22]

Great analysis of Will Riley. Thought he started to figure out some things later in the game but his shot does not look confident. He was looking to pass more than shoot. Long way to go for him right now. But no doubt he has talent - long, quick, athletic, can pass and I think can shoot when he gets his confidence.

[@OuUo-s5t]

Illinois with Kasparas should be in Final 4

[@bennettlashawn83]

Will Riley need to go get a layup or free-throw before he starts shooting 3's

[@anthonyrausch7394]

Morez gives me Daniel Gafford vibes,, about the same size with mobility and physicality. I think this whole team is really similar to the Dallas Mavericks with the 2 lead guards surrounded by long defenders that can shoot

[@wittsdream]

While Riley likely has the higher NBA ceiling, try and envision how much more pressure Illinois could put on its opponents with Fears playing alongside KJ at times? Furthermore, a 2nd unit platoon of Fears & DGL would’ve allowed KJ to rest more as the team approaches March/April. That backcourt would’ve been on par with the ‘05 team, maybe better. Hopefully Riley catches fire in the last couple months to put to rest any “what ifs.”

[@toddparker9485]

Riley should do more midrange shots let the game come to himself. Every he has the ball it's like he is playing one on 4 or 5 . Riley had good assists last night. Maybe run specific plays for him. Looks out of control most of the time he has the ball.

[@william53]

Dont get over-excited, wait till we play Michigan/Maryland at their home?

[@TruthMatters22]

Good caution. They are still a work in progress but fans should be excited about the possibilities for this team. They seem grounded, understand that they are still growing and they are working very hard. But the big thing is they seem to have great chemistry with each other. So, when games get tough, they lean on each other and they also appear to be able to lean on their defense.

[@OuUo-s5t]

Is good illi loose tough games 2 points, lost games are making them stronger, they should finish very very high