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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 12, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Leron Black (12) battles for a rebound with Michigan Wolverines guard/forward Kameron Chatman (3) during the second half in the second round of the Big Ten Conference Tournament at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Leron Black (12) battles for a rebound with Michigan Wolverines guard/forward Kameron Chatman (3) during the second half in the second round of the Big Ten Conference Tournament at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /

Power Forward

With the transition of the small forward position going from a big position to a small position, that leaves a few players available for the power forward position.

On the 2005 squad, the Illini had Roger Powell starting at the power forward position.  He was 6-foot-6 but was a beast on the boards.

Illinois Fighting Illini
Illinois Fighting Illini /

Illinois Fighting Illini

Power forward will now turn into an athletic position that will really wreak havoc on the opposing teams.

For the future, I see Illinois having DJ Williams, Leron Black, and Kipper Nichols all vying for minutes at this position.

They would also come in for the third guard when Groce would want to go with a bigger lineup.

But, having these three players at this position is going to be huge for Groce.  They all bring attributes that will benefit the team.

I love Williams’ athletic ability.  He is long and fast and will be able to get rebounds as well as get to the basket.

Black is more of a bruiser in the paint.  He is the enforcer that can put a hurting on players and be a sparkplug for the team if need be.

The jury is still out on Nichols.  His tapes look great but I think he is a little raw on the offensive end.  He could be a great guy coming off the bench.

The possibilities are endless at the power forward position.  Illinois is loaded at this spot now and into the future.

Next: Center

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