Illinois Fighting Illini News and Update
After the exhibition game against Ole Miss, I wasn’t sure how quickly the Illinois basketball team would come together. With so many new faces, it was hard to gauge how well they’d mesh on the court.
It didn’t take long for those questions to be answered. Illinois came out strong against Eastern Illinois, jumping to an early lead and maintaining control throughout the game. By halftime, they held a 15-point advantage, and in the second half, they extended that lead to 30, eventually winning 112-67.
Here are five key takeaways from the Illini’s dominant victory over Eastern Illinois:
1. Tomislav Ivisic Impresses Early
Heading into the 2024-25 season, I wasn’t sure who would start at the center position (No. 5 spot). I had originally pegged Morez Johnson Jr. for the role, but I was proven wrong.
Tomislav Ivisic, who got the nod to start, has been outstanding from the start. In the Eastern Illinois game, he posted a stellar line with 14 points, 14 rebounds, two assists, and one steal. It was a well-rounded performance.
Several aspects of Ivisic’s game caught me by surprise. For one, his free throw shooting was exceptional for a 7-foot-1 big man. Typically, towering players like Ivisic struggle at the free throw line, but he went 7-of-9 against Eastern Illinois, which is rare for someone of his size.
What stood out most, however, was his physical presence. I knew Ivisic was tall, but seeing him in action on the court, it’s clear he’s not just big—he’s a force. His size and athleticism are unlike anything Illinois has had in recent years, and I can’t recall the last player with such a combination of physical gifts. Watching Ivisic play, it’s clear he has the potential to dominate, and there will be multiple games this season where he simply can’t be stopped.
