Coach Juwan Howard and the 17-12 Michigan Wolverines are next up in the ever changing rollercoaster that has been the 2023 Illini Basketball season. After a strong new year in January for the Illini, February has not been as kind, as the Big Ten heats itself up to end of year form. The Illini Find themselves 3-4 over the Month of February, and are coming off of a loss to Ohio State, who had lost 10 straight games in conference before handing the Illini a brutal 72-60 loss in Columbus.
The Wolverines have had quite the wild ride themselves in previous weeks, as a once mightily struggling Michigan squad went 6-2 over the month of February in conference play. Howards unit certainly heating up at the right time as we quickly approach tournament play.
The Illini however, find themselves in a state of frustration. Quite understandable being that the Big Ten tournament is beginning next week, and the NCAA tournament right around the corner. A question will be, which version of this team will Illinois fans get as we quickly approach selection sunday?
A win over your heated rival would be a great start, and taking down the Wolverines would certainly help the good vibes flow in Champaign.
The Illini will tip off on ESPN Thursday (3/2) at 6:00 pm, and its senior night in Champaign. Of all nights, and against all teams, what a better time for the madness to begin for Illinois. Can they turn it on, and get hot? That’s the question.
Who to Know: Michigan
Hunter Dickinson has been one of the best Big-Men in the nation over his 3 seasons at Michigan, and has no problem sharing his thoughts on the Illini as a rival. This has led to a heated and intense rivalry between the Wolverines and Illini, and has made these matchups something special . The 7 foot 1, 260 lb tower of a man leads his unit in both scoring and rebounding with a 17.6 PPG and 8.6 RPG average. His game has grown since last season, and he has increased his 3-point percentage to 40%. Obviously, not a fantastic 3-point average, but for a 7 foot big man, who dominates around the rim, being able to step back and nail 3’s is huge. The Illini won’t be able to just let him free lance beyond the arc, because he can be dangerous, so Dain Dainja and Coleman Hawkins will have a tough task ahead.
Jett Howard, son of wolverines Head Coach Juwan Howard, is a 6’8 Freshman guard from Miami, who currently finds himself the second highest producer on the court for his father. With a 14.4 PPG average on the season, Jett is certainly not a timid freshman, and isn’t afraid to take charge on the court. I wonder where he got that from? Howard isn’t very much of a threat from deep with a 39% 3-point average. With his length and size at 6’8, look for Jett to be a threat in the paint, who can draw a lot of fouls.
Sophomore Kobe Bufkin is a mid-range threat that can be an X-factor for this wolverines team. Bifkin currently hoists a 13.4 PPG average, who has seen a nice increase in his game from the 2021-22 to the 2022-23 season. Not the flashiest player that the wolverines have, but a consistent scorer who will make you pay if you forget about him.
What the Illini Need
lingering health concerns keeping Freshman G Jayden Epps off the court for the unknown future, as that story is early in development. The team has offered little information as to his status, and at the time of posting this article, much is still unknown. Productive guard play from Terrance Shannon Jr. and Sincere Harris will be crucial to the success of Illinois on Thursday night.
Big Man Hunter Dickinson is going to get his, but making the getting a little tougher will be the biggest determination in how Illinois will match with the Wolverines. If Dainja and Hawkins are unable to be effective in slowing down Hunter, then Illinois will be looking in the eyes of another Trayce Jackson-Davis level manhandling that frankly, this Illinois team just doesn’t need going into the conclusion of the regular season.
Illini Now Prediction
Illinois will take care of business vs Dickinson as best as possible due to the fact that it will be the biggest point of emphasis of how to approach Michigan defensively. Dainja and Hawkins will have their bad moments against such a talented individual of course, but Hunter is still coming to play in Champaign, and it’s going to be a tough environment for him Thursday night. Illinois will get enough from Shannon and Mayer to match the runs Howard and Dickinson can create. It feels very much like a “must win” for this team as they need some momentum to cling onto heading full steam into march. Like I said, who better to get it from?
Illinois 68 Michigan 61 Final
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