As of this writing, Illinois is currently up to the #21 defense in Kenpom, a long ways up from where they were early in the season. As the games have progressed, Illinois has seemingly become more and more comfortable with their philosophy, and it’s turned Illinois into a good defense. With how elite this offense is, the defense doesn’t have to be elite, but if it can be close to that, Illinois becomes one of the best teams in the country.
Background
Above shows the defensive shot charts for the Illinois defense this season. They’re currently top 50 in the country in both defensive rim and defensive paint rate. Notably, Illinois forces a ton of a mid range shots, and they’re slightly above D1 average in terms of forcing three point attempts. Keep that last part in mind.
Above shows the defensive shot charts for the Illinois defense LAST season. Very notably, Illinois forced among the most mid range shots in the country, while allowing among the fewest three point attempts in the country.
