University of Illinois Fighting Illini Men's Basketball Player Profile - Bill Cole

Player Profile: Bill Cole
Position: Forward
Height: 6'9"
Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Peoria, IL

Player Summary

Between injuries and playing rotations, Cole played very little college basketball last year. When he did play, he displayed a good shooting touch and a nose for the ball. Cole also showed good rebounding and shot-blocking skills when he was in the lineup. However, he will need put on a little more weight to his frame to play power forward consistently in the Big Ten. This may be his best bet for minutes, since he may not be quick enough to play the perimeter defensively.

Statistics for '07-'08 Basketball Season

Minutes: 6.8
Points: 2.3
Rebounds: 1.4
Assists: 0.2
Steals: 0.3
Blocks: 0.5

Player Strengths

The little time he was on the court, Cole showed that he had a very nice shooting stroke. In addition, he was a good shot-blocker and rebounder. If he puts on a little weight and is able to defend the post, he has a skill set that would be very valuable for a big man.

Player Weaknesses

Cole is skinny for a power forward and had trouble staying healthy last year. While he rebounded well and blocked some shots, he did not play down low very often. Cole spent much of his time on the perimeter where he is a defensive liability (even more so than down in the post). Some offensive post moves wouldn't hurt either.

Player Projections

I'm not sure that Cole is ready for big-time college basketball minutes, but he brings enough to the team to average 10 minutes per game. He will have to compete with quite a few players for minutes in the Illini frontcourt. Like other young Illini players, if Cole is able to remain healthy, put on a little weight and can defend the post better, he could get a good amount of minutes for the Illini. His shooting touch could really stretch the defense and would help against zone defenses. In addition, he has skills that this team needs, namely rebounding and shot-blocking.

Cole may be a year or two away from being a large part of the Illini basketball program. But, at some point in his Illini career he will be a valuable contributor. His shooting and rebounding will serve him well in the Big Ten.

Projected Statistics for Illini '08-'09 Basketball Season

Minutes: 10.0
Points: 4.5
Rebounds: 2.0
Assists: 0.3
Steals: 0.4
Blocks: 1.0

Sources:
www.espn.com
illinois.scout.com/