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Update provided on Illinois’ Jacob Grandison ahead of first-round matchup vs. Chattanooga
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There’s a chance Illinois will be shorthanded for its first-round NCAA Tournament matchup against Chattanooga on Friday. The status of Jacob Grandison is still undecided.
Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports reported on Tuesday that Grandison is listed as “day-to-day” with a shoulder injury. He has not played since March 3, missing the Illini’s final two games.
Grandison’s absence was an issue in Illinois’ B1G Tournament opener against Indiana, falling 65-63 to the Hoosiers in the quarterfinal round in Indianapolis. As a 41% 3-point shooter and averaging more than 10 points per game, the Illini were without a scoring threat on the floor.
Illinois' Jacob Grandison (shoulder) is listed as "day-to-day", per Brad Underwood. Has not played since 3/3. Averages 10.3 PPG.
Illini face Chattanooga on Friday in the Round of 64.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) March 15, 2022
With Illinois playing on the second day of the first round, it does give Grandison some additional time to recover and get back on the floor. It’s just unclear whether or not he’ll be ready to go on Friday.
Illinois enters March Madness having won the B1G regular season title and has one of the most balanced teams in the tournament. The matchup against Chattanooga is scheduled for a 6:50 p.m. ET start on TNT.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB