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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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Feb 3, 2016; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard D.J. Williams (0) dribbles the ball in the first half at Louis Brown Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 3, 2016; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard D.J. Williams (0) dribbles the ball in the first half at Louis Brown Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports /

Small Forward

The small forward position on the 2005 Illinois basketball team was essentially non-existent.

For the Illini, the small forward position ended up turning into the third guard role.

This position was manned by Luther Head.  He developed into a great shooter and was super athletic.

Head would create mismatches because of his athletic ability and shooting.  He was only 6-foot-3 but could match up against any player and run right by most defenders.

This is the point where Groce’s mindset really comes to fruition.

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Illinois currently has DJ Williams and Kipper Nichols at the small forward position.

But, I think in the near future this could end up turning back into the third guard role.  And then they can bring a bigger guy off the bench.

I think the vision for this role is going to be slotting Da’Monte Williams at this position.

Williams is 6-foot-3 and overall is a pretty good talent.  He can bring a lot to the table as far as basketball skills are concerned.

This would make for a starting lineup of Te’Jon Lucas, Jalen Coleman-Lands, and Da’Monte Williams in 2017 so far.

After those three Groce would then have Trent Frazier, Javon Pickett, and Aaron Jordan coming off the bench.  This group of guards could be one of the best ever.

Next: Power Forward

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