Bench play can be Illinois’ X-factor in postseason

The current odds show Brad Underwood’s hardcourt warriors as a +450 (18%) chance to win the B1G men’s basketball tournament. Michigan is the favorite at -125 to win. (Michigan State is at +625, and Purdue is at +725) The Illini is a +1,100 to +1,800 (5%-9%) to take home the NCAA title.

The reasons are many; you can point to KenPom, which has Illinois ranked No. 5 in the nation, No. 1 in offense, and No. 26 in defense. They have taken a tumble in RPI, where they are 16th, BUT they are No. 5 in the NCAA NET rankings. They are ranked 9th in both the AP and the coaches’ polls. Many analysts have listed Illinois from a dark horse to a legitimate threat in the NCAA Tournament. They have a lineup where five guys average double figures in scoring, and they are No. 7 in rebounding percentage. They have the Freshman of the Year in the Big Ten in Keaton Wagler. Much is made of Illinois’ size, length, defense, passing, and 3-point shooting.

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But there is one thing many overlook.

DEPTH

Only a few mention depth, but it is the Illini depth that could be the X-factor in just how far the Illini can go rests on the bench.

Now, realistically, the Illini only go eight deep with Zvonimir Ivisic (Big Z), Ben Humrichous, and Jake Davis/Andrej Stojakovic (depending on who starts). But with the versatility of the starting five, it actually seems deeper than it is.

This versatility reminds me of the 1989 Flying Illini with Steve Bardo, Kenny Battle, Kendall Gill, Lowell Hamilton, Nick Anderson, Ervin Small, Marcus Liberty, and Larry Smith. Almost completely interchangeable, and each one brought a high level of talent. It is the same with this current team; you can rotate Wagler, Stojakovic, and Boswell at the point. Mirkovic, Boswell, and Wagler at the shooting guard, Wagler, Mirkovic, Humrichous, and Davis can play the shooting forward. Humrichous, Mirkovic, and even the twins can play the big forward.

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THE BENCH

Big Z, coming off the bench at 7-foot-2 and 250 pounds, is…

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Publish date : 2026-03-12 12:44:00

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