If we didn't know better, we would think Illinois basketball's season is already in full swing. The Illini, who just played Friday night against Baylor , are back at it for another exhibition outing on Wednesday against in-state Missouri Valley squad UIC.

Here are three areas to monitor as Illinois strives to find its rhythm before the 2026-27 campaign officially gets underway:

3 areas to monitor as Illinois basketball faces UIC in final exhibition game

Dec 13, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood before the first half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The defensive glass

Anyone following Illinois’ first two exhibition games couldn’t have missed it: The Illini have been horrid on the defensive boards.…