Ranking each Big Ten basketball team entering conference play

4. Illinois Fighting Illini

Illinois is coming off arguably its best season in nearly two decades as it made a run to the Elite Eight. While the Illini have taken a slight step back early on in 2024-25, they remain a top-25 team that is fully capable of claiming a Big Ten title and making another run in March. That’s thanks in large part to Lithuanian freshman Kasparas Jakucionis who has been one of the best guards in the Big Ten, averaging 16.5 points, five rebounds and five assists. Croatian big man Tomislav Ivisic has also made an impact, as have transfers Kylan Boswell and Tre White. Illinois is strong defensively and has a top-five offense in the Big Ten that has shined in wins over Arkansas, Wisconsin and Missouri. Brad Underwood’s squad also took No. 1 Tennessee down to the wire, proving Illinois can compete with anyone in the country.