Aaron Jordan gives lots of short, simple answers when talking to the media — in other words, he sounds like a freshman. But on the court, the 18-year-old guard is beginning to earn the type of trust that head coach John Groce usually has in his more experienced players.

Plenty of minutes are up for grabs on the Illinois men’s basketball team this year, and Groce has let the kids play. Jordan and fellow freshmen Michael Finke and D.J. Williams all saw considerable court time in the Illini’s win over Western Carolina, which could be a trend moving forward.

Finke looked terrific with a career-best scoring performance Saturday, but a large portion of Groce’s postgame press conference was devoted to the praises of Jordan’s efforts.

“It’s a great example of what happens when you have a great attitude,” Groce said. “I notice him during games — he’s up all the time when guys make plays, even in games where he didn’t play. That’s pretty rare for someone his age to do that.”

Through nine games, Jordan trails only freshman guard Jalen Coleman-Lands for the team lead in 3-point percentage, and 26 of the 37 shots he’s taken have come from deep. The Illinois native has made a three in all but two games he’s appeared in, which makes him a valuable asset in a more perimeter-orientated offense sans the injured Mike Thorne Jr.

Jordan failed to hit a three in Saturday’s win, but Groce still thought it was one of his best games of the year and even compared his mental toughness to that of junior guard Kendrick Nunn, whom Groce hopes Jordan continues to learn from.

“It’s hard not to like him,” Groce said. “Most of the time, he’s been the same guy, regardless of circumstance — that’s really what mental toughness is. Experience is going to be a big thing for him, and hopefully we can get him to be consistent moving forward.”

If you ask Jordan, he’s just glad to see time on the court, especially at State Farm Center.

“It’s crazy,” Jordan said. “Just last year, I was on the sideline watching. It’s just great to be able to experience this.”

With the firepower and versatility of Finke, Jordan and Coleman-Lands, it can be easy to forget about Illinois’ fourth freshman, Williams. Along with Jordan, Williams saw some extended action for the first time in a few games, and Groce liked what he brought on the defensive end.

“Obviously he’s long,” Groce said. “We played some zone when he was in, he’s really good in the zone. He’s getting better defensively.”

In eight minutes against Western Carolina, Williams pitched in an offensive rebound and a steal. He’s attempted just 10 field goals over the course of five games, but has the chance to help the struggling Illinois defense stay afloat in certain stretches.

Groce said the Illini freshmen had their best collective practice the day before Saturday’s win and is hopeful for more consistency from the group as the Big Ten schedule looms.

“We still have a long way to go and we’re planning to work on that,” Jordan said.

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