Illinois Scouting Report

The Fighting Illini are the only team standing between Purdue and their second straight outright Big Ten championship. The Illini are ranked 12th in both the AP poll and Kenpom. In the previous matchup between Purdue and Illinois, Terrance Shannon did not play while Edey was limited with foul trouble. Both teams had huge contributions from their second star with role players Trey Kaufman-Renn and Luke Goode having big games for their respective squads.

Illinois Offense

The Illinois offense has gone nuclear in Big Ten play. In their last meeting against Purdue, Illinois ranked 12th in adjusted offense according the Kenpom. That number has jumped to 3rd, right behind the Purdue Boilermakers. Head coach Brad Underwood has leaned into attacking matchups with Terrance Shannon and Marcus Domask, punishing any help defense with hot three point shooting and elite offensive rebounding.

Player Profiles

#0 - Terrance Shannon Jr.

Terrance Shannon missed the first matchup against Purdue while suspended, I am not a fan of his personal decisions but his on-court value is undeniable. He is deadly in transition with his speed and power that often baits defenders into fouling. In the half court, his role diminishes into more of a jump shooter but will punish the defense for giving him any lanes to the rim. Purdue needs to build a wall against TSJ in transition and force him into tough jumpers WITHOUT FOULING.

#3 - Marcus Domask

The Souther Illinois transfer has had an incredible season for the Fighting Illini and provided a very good on ball scorer. Domask does a great job of controlling his pace and keeping his defender where he wants him. This allows him to score mainly in the mid post but has the ability to get to the rim with a quick drive. Purdue will have a hard time matching up with Domask, the on ball player (Probably Smith) needs to take something away and rely on timely doubles in the post.

#33 - Coleman Hawkins

Hawkins will play a lot of center for Illinois, but he plays more like a wing on offense. Hawkins is going to slip a ton of ball screens to pop to three point line where he will shoot or drive. Illinois has been consistent in trying to punish smaller players by moving Hawkins into the post. This is a swing matchup between Purdue and Illinois. For Purdue, the focus should be avoiding mistakes and forcing Hawkins score instead of play make.

#13 - Quincy Guerrier

A really good connective piece, Guerrier is best when teams give him cutting and rebounding opportunities. He is not a great shooter and prefers to drive to his right hand if a defender closes out too hard. It is vital that Purdue limits his cuts and forces him to prove himself consistently from the perimeter.

#20 - Ty Rodgers

Putting Edey on Rodgers, Purdue had a lot of success in that matchup in the previous meeting. Rodgers has gotten a lot better driving and cutting when he is guarded by a center but the physical presence of Edey could still limit Rodgers. Purdue can guard Rodgers one on one with a big, but will need to send help if Rodgers gets matched up with a guard.

#10 - Luke Goode

Goode is going to shoot threes and grab offensive rebounds. Illinois used him as a screener with a lot of success late in the previous Purdue game. Takeaway his threes and hit him early when he crashes the glass.

#4 - Justin Harmon

A similar player to Goode, it is important to takeaway his threes but also important to not let him get to his left hand. He is not a great driver or passer so gap defense could be successful stripping Harmon on drives.

#42 - Dain Dainja

As a non-shooter, Dainja is at a disadvantage in the post against Edey but could be effective against Purdue's backup bigs. Purdue should play him straight up with help defense digging at the ball, also Edey has to be ready for Dainja's quick change of direction.

Illinois Offensive Sets

Mid Post Isolation -

Split Action -

Chin Ghost Screen -

Double Stagger -

Horns Shannon Iso -

Defensive Gameplan

1. Stop Terrance Shannon in transition

   1. Building. a wall with multiple defenders

   2. On ball defender has to make Shannon choose a direction early and NOT foul

   3. Gap defenders anticipating Shannon's drive and meeting him with the body

2. Being aggressive against Domask

   1. Change up looks in the ball screens (Switching, going under/over)

   2. Whenever he turns his back, help defense looking to surprise him when he spins

   3. Bother his mid range by disrupting the ball low

3. Holding Illinois to one shot

   1. Guards and bigs be aggressive hunting bodies to blockout before getting the rebound

NOTE: Purdue has to stay down on Illinois shot fakes!

Fighting Illini Defense

Illinois' defense has plummeted in the past two months, all the way to 103 on Kenpom despite having length and athleticism throughout the roster. Illinois play a unique defensive style with their guards glued to their man and only their bigs looking to help at the rim. This style has resulted in a good field goal defense but the inability to force turnovers has limited the groups overall effectiveness.

Man to Man Defensive Principles/Style

• Ball Screens - Drop coverage with guards trailing hard, if the guard is caught they will late switch

  • Illinois began switching ball screens late against Purdue

• Post - Want to play straight up in the post, second option is doubling from the strong side

• On Ball - Physical defense with not very much reaching on the ball (Hawkins will reach!)

• Off Ball - Almost face guarding with a hand in the passing lane, almost zero gap defense

• Transition - Three players crashing the glass, focused on matchups down the floor

  • Domask and Shannon are most often getting back on defense

How Purdue Can Score

• Post ups - Both Edey and Trey will. have the physical advantage against the Illini

• Dribble Drives - Purdue is going to have a lot of one on one driving opportunities

• Cutting - Illinois is ultra aggressive fighting through screens which opens up back doors

• Rebounding - Illinois chases a lot of blocks that open up easy put backs

Keys for Illinois

1. Domask and Shannon playing like stars

2. Illinois winning the boards

3. Make Fletcher Loyer unplayable

4. Forcing Edey to turn the ball over

Keys for Purdue

1. Purdue guards playing ultra aggressive

2. Scoring points in transition

3. Force turnovers with help defense

4. Guards doing their job rebounding the basketball