CHAMPAIGN — Consistency.
The Illinois coaching staff has been fighting for it since day one for Kipper Nichols. This month? The redshirt junior out of Cleveland might have found it.
Nichols entered Saturday night's Braggin' Rights game against Missouri having hit double figures in scoring for four straight games — the longest streak of his career. That included a season-best 18-point performance against Ohio State in Chicago.
The 6-foot-6, 220-pound forward was also averaging five rebounds per game in that span. And had taken multiple charges.
All traits the Illini coaches have wanted.
"He's a wonderful human being, first of all," Illinois coach Brad Underwood said.