Writing Illini
Fansided

Illinois Basketball: Illini backcourt one of the best in 2017

By Rees Woodcock

Mar 9, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Te'Jon Lucas (3) shoots the ball in front of Michigan Wolverines forward Moritz Wagner (13), Wolverines forward D.J. Wilson (5), and Fighting Illini center Maverick Morgan (22) in the first half during the Big Ten Conference Tournament at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Te'Jon Lucas (3) shoots the ball in front of Michigan Wolverines forward Moritz Wagner (13), Wolverines forward D.J. Wilson (5), and Fighting Illini center Maverick Morgan (22) in the first half during the Big Ten Conference Tournament at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

This was arguably one of the craziest weekends in Illinois basketball history.

Illinois headed into the weekend without a full-time head coach and the entire fan base knew someone was likely to be hired before Monday. It was all a matter of who the right man was for the job.

Well, on Saturday, news broke about the next leader of the Illini and it was Oklahoma State head coach Brad Underwood. This was a great hire by athletic director Josh Whitman. He set out to hit a home run and followed through with his vision. Now all that is left to fulfill of his slogan ‘We Will Win’ is for the program to actually win games.

To accomplish this goal the Illini need to retain at least most of the class of 2017. This is a special class, as many of you know, and it has pieces in it that will build the foundation of the basketball program for years to come.

Everyone has been nervous about who will bolt from this class, though. After John Groce left the program there has been a cloud of uncertainty with all four players. Included in that is the question of whether or not the assistant coach, and current interim head coach, Jamall Walker will be retained.

There have been reports about Walker likely coming back so that is good news. There hasn’t been anything official yet, but signs are pointing in the right direction. This is good news because he was a crucial piece of the recruiting puzzle.

Over the last few days, two of the four Illini recruits have re-committed to the program as well. Da’Monte Williams put the rumors to bed early and Trent Frazier announced he was staying with the Illini right after the Underwood hire.

Both of these players will have a huge role on the team next season. Williams can come in as a combo-guard and, while he can handle the ball, I would bet he is asked to be more of a driving scorer.

Frazier will be a great one-two punch with Te’Jon Lucas. Illinois was missing that second point guard this season that could be consistent with ball distributing but could also go get a bucket when he needed too. That is why he will be so crucial in the Illini success.

These two players will make the backcourt for the Illini one of the best and deepest in the Big Ten and possibly the country. It will easily be the best for Illinois since the 2005 national title run.

Next: 5 reasons to be excited about Brad Underwood

There have been two that have officially re-committed to the program and there are only two remaining from the class of 2017. The future is bright for the Illini and I believe that we will win.

Home/Illinois Basketball