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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — When Ben Humrichous first joined the Illinois basketball team, his defensive skills were lacking, as noted by head coach Brad Underwood.
“To be frank, last year, Ben’s defensive abilities were almost nonexistent,” Underwood remarked. “He might have even let Tom Izzo’s mom score 20 points. This season, however, he’s become a versatile defender, capable of guarding anyone.”
Underwood attributes Humrichous’s defensive improvement to his meticulous attention to the scouting reports and his commitment to fulfilling every task given to him.
Hailing from Tipton, Indiana, Humrichous is now playing his fifth and final season of college basketball, marking his second year at Champaign.
His contributions have been pivotal during the Illini’s impressive 10-game winning streak, as he emphasizes making what he refers to as winning plays, including strong defense and effective rebounding.
“I want to do what’s gonna help this team win,” Humrichous said.
Underwood said he’s seen an increased desire to impact winning Ben’s second season with the Illini.
“I thought he was just happy to be here last year and be a part of it… I think he’ll do whatever it takes to win,” Underwood said.
Humrichous also had his highest-scoring game since the loss to Alabama with 14 points off the bench against Washington.