Illinois basketball: 2019-20 season review and 2020-2021 early preview

CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 14: Head coach Brad Underwood talks with Trent Frazier #1 and Ayo Dosunmu #11 of the Illinois Fighting Illini in the game against the Old Dominion Monarchs at State Farm Center on December 14, 2019 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

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Kofi Cockburn #21 of the Illinois Fighting Illini (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Top Players

Ayo Dosunmu

The Illini had a deep rotation but the offense’s unquestioned focal point was sophomore guard Ayo Dosunmu. In 30 games this season Dosunmu led the team in scoring and assists while showing off some next-level athleticism. Dosunmu’s star turn helped set the stage for Illinois’ incredible turnaround.

Kofi Cockburn

While Dosunmu drew the attention of most opposing defenders Kofi Cockburn proved to be a threat in different ways. Cockburn, the Illini’s starting center, was Illinois’ second-leading scorer while also leading the team in rebounding and blocks. Teams bold enough to enter the paint against Illinois had to find a way around Cockburn, who was able to use his 7-0 frame to alter shots.

Andres Feliz

This was a very young Illinois team, but it did have some important leaders like Andres Feliz. The senior was an efficient scorer who played a solid role on offense, contributing primarily as a secondary facilitator to set his teammates up for success. Feliz was on pace to make his first appearance in the NCAA Tournament before the season was canceled.

Alan Griffin

The sophomore from Ossining, NY saw a significant boost in minutes from his freshman year and was a much more efficient shooter as a result. Alan Griffin‘s greatest contribution to the Illini was his three-point shooting, where he knocked down 41.6 percent of his three-point attempts. Expect to see Illinois give Griffin even more responsibility as he enters his junior year.