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Illinois Basketball: Illini Developing Same Construct as the 2005 Team

By Rees Woodcock

Mar 6, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach John Groce looks on from the bench during the first half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Bryce Jordan Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
Mar 6, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach John Groce looks on from the bench during the first half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Bryce Jordan Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O /
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Mar 3, 2016; College Park, MD, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Jalen Coleman-Lands (5) shoots over Maryland Terrapins guard Melo Trimble (2) during the first half at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2016; College Park, MD, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Jalen Coleman-Lands (5) shoots over Maryland Terrapins guard Melo Trimble (2) during the first half at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Shooting Guard

The shooting guard position on the 2005 Illinois basketball team really wasn’t the stereotypical role that we have all been accustomed to.

Usually, the shooting guard is someone bigger that is the knockdown shooter but nothing much more.

Illinois Fighting Illini
Illinois Fighting Illini /

Illinois Fighting Illini

In 2005, the Illini had Deron Williams playing this role.  He was a big-time shooter but could also handle the ball just about as well as anyone on the court.

The one-two punch of Brown and Williams is the best duo in the history of the Illinois basketball program and possibly of all-time.

Groce’s mindset on this position looks to be the same as the 2005 team.  He wants more guard play so he can see who fits into this role.

This upcoming season the Illini will have Jalen Coleman-Lands in this role.  He is a great shooter but still has some developing at the other duties of ball handling, etc.

I think JCL will develop into a nice ball handler and will be a nice piece for the Illini.  He is also 6-foot-3, just like Williams as well.

Illinois also has Aaron Jordan to spell some minutes for JCL.  He has a Rich McBride role on this squad of just coming in and keeping the pace for the team.

In 2017, Illinois has two other players that will be available for the guard position.  These two players are Javon Picket and Da’Monte Williams.

Both of these players could be pretty good and gives Groce flexibility.

Next: Small Forward

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