A major factor in Illinois' success last season was its overall roster depth.
A strong starting five, aided by three impactful players off the bench, allowed the Illini to run varied lineups throughout games with an eight-man rotation.
This season looks to follow a similar trend. While players like Zvonimir Ivisic and Jake Davis returned, Ben Humrichous' departure means Illinois will have to find a replacement to ensure its rotation is just as deep as last season's.
Fortunately for the Illini, their strong freshman class should be able to provide a spark off the bench. The exhibition game against Cincinnati may offer some insight into who could fill that role.
One freshman who saw significant playing time in that game was Ethan Brown. The three-star recruit from Missouri played 25 minutes, scoring 15 points and grabbing five rebounds.
Brown's five rebounds were tied for the second-most in the game, and his ability to rebound could be a major factor in Brad Underwood's decision about who comes off the bench.
In an offensive system that emphasizes crashing the boards, Brown may have caught the coaching staff's attention.
Besides Brown, Zavier Zens and Landon Davis could also compete for the eighth spot. Both played 11 minutes against Cincinnati, but neither stood out as a rebounder. Davis had no rebounds, while Zens grabbed three.
One exhibition game won't determine Illinois' rotation for the season, but the limited sample may have offered an early glimpse of who is leading the race for the eighth spot.
