I havent read entire thread, but theres one key thing i havent seen - pure physical athleticism.
To be good at bball, you can have athleticism and just be bigger, stronger, faster, jumpier than the other guy. Think Rashon Clark, or Cato, or even Ward.
OR you can be more skilled - dribbling, passing, shooting, finding space, anticipating. Think Georges, Monte, or Lipsey.
If you have both, those are your star players. Frankly, Shannon is a good example. Or imagine if Keyshon was 6'8" lol.
This team was very good at skills. Less so with athleticism - esp just basic height. Taller teams gave them fits. You talk abt missing bunnies, some of that you have to credit Illinois for being taller and altering shots at the rim - sometimes even just being in their heads altering those shots.
I guess my point here is the athletic deficit this team had vs Ill (and a few other teams) let them get a few more points, and cost them a few points on offense. A bigger stronger quicker(?) older Milan should help.