Oregon basketball coach Dana Altman believes freshman forward Dillon Brooks has both talent and instincts.

He just needs to be consistent. “When he’s on, he’s a handful. He just has to be on more often,” Altman said.

Oregon forward Dillon Brooks (24) guards Illinois guard Malcolm Hill (21) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Chicago on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Brooks gave a glimpse of what he can do when he’s consistent. He scored a career high 24 points on 9-of-15 shooting and Oregon rallied to beat Illinois 77-70 on Saturday night.

“Coach always told me to put the time in the gym before practice and after practice and it’ll come easier,” Brooks said. “I did that, and I guess it’s paying off right now.”

Oregon used an 11-0 run to turn a four-point deficit into a seven-point lead with 1:31 left. Illinois was scoreless for 4:34 during that span. Brooks then made two clutch free throws for a 73-67 Oregon lead with 1:11 remaining.

Dana Altman on Canadian talent and continuing to recruit them (@ 5:45 of video above):

We’ve been really fortunate. Devoe Joseph, Olu Ashalou, Jason Calliste, we have been really lucky. The guys from Canada have come in ane been so coach-able and fun to work with and now Dillon. They have done a great job. No doubt.

Dillon Brooks on early success (@ 6:04 on video above):

I thought I was going to take a little bit longer. Coach always told me to put the time in the gym after practice and before practice and I did so I guess it’s paying off right now.

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Oregon: Hosts Cal State Northridge on Wednesday.