Illinois Basketball: Progress, departures and the future of the Illini – Writing Illini

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Mar 21, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood talks with his team during a timeout during the second half in the second round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Loyola Ramblers won 71-58. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Illinois Fighting Illini and its fanbase have many reasons to be proud of its 2020-2021 campaign. Illinois made an NCAA tournament appearance for the first time in eight seasons after finishing the year with an overall record of 24-7.

While accomplishing this feat, the Illini led the Big Ten in conference wins, finishing the year with a conference record of 16-4. The Orange and Blue would also go on to win their first Big Ten Tournament title since the 2005 season.

During this historic run, Illinois had two of its players named to the All-Big Ten first team, as junior guard Ayo Dosunmu and sophomore big man Kofi Cockburn were recognized as two of the best players in the conference. Senior guard Trent Frazier was named as an honorable mention but would be named to the conferences all-defensive team.

Freshman Andre Curbelo was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman team and was the Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year. He finished the season averaging 9.1 points per game by shooting an exceptional 49.8-percent from the floor. Additionally, the freshman guard averaged 4.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 0.9 steals per contest.

The Fighting Illinis lineup will look different next year, as the Orange and Blue will lose some of its current players and will have some new faces coming in.

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Illinois Basketball: Progress, departures and the future of the Illini - Writing Illini