Analytics Show Illinois Outside Of Potential NCAA Tournament Winners
If history repeats itself in the NCAA Tournament, the Illinois Fighting Illini will not walk away as national champions.
Each champion since 2002 has ranked within KenPomeroy's top 57 in offensive efficiency and top 37 in defensive efficiency. This stat eliminates Illinois due to their defensive placement.
As the No. 3 seed in the East region, Illinois' path to the Elite Eight is plausible, but reaching the Final Four will likely require a win over the Iowa State Cyclones (No. 2 seed). There is also a potential matchup with defending champion Connecticut Huskies.
Perhaps the Illini's greatest strength is their ability to adjust at a moment's notice. In the Big Ten tournament, they faced double-digit deficits at halftime against Ohio State, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. Forward Coleman Hawkins understands that this factor is both a blessing and a curse for the team.
"I feel like we made some crucial adjustments in all of the games that we played," Illini forward Coleman Hawkins said. "That's what won us these games [in the Big Ten tournament]. That's what it's going to come down to and just staying ready for whatever opponent we have next ... and being ready to make adjustments on the fly whenever we need because we only got one shot now. If we lose, we go home."
Illinois faces Riley Minix and the Morehead State Eagles in the opening round on Thursday.
Anthony Pasciolla is a contributor of Illini Now. He can be reached at ampasciolla@gmail.com or on X @anthonypasci.