Illinois Basketball: Final 2 Scholarship Scenarios for the Illini

Jan 3, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach John Groce directs his team against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Value City Arena. Ohio State won the game 75-73. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach John Groce directs his team against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Value City Arena. Ohio State won the game 75-73. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 7, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; General view of basketball sitting on the court during the 2nd half of a game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 7, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; General view of basketball sitting on the court during the 2nd half of a game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

Scenario No. 1: No More Recruits Commit

While the Illinois basketball team still has two scholarships remaining for the class of 2017, that doesn’t mean that they will be used.

I think there is a good chance that the Illini will land at least one more player but there are no guarantees.

In the first scenario the Illini miss out on every recruit they are trying to snag.

This scenario would leave Illinois with a four-player class that consists of Jeremiah Tilmon, a 5-star center.

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It would also include 4-star guard Da’Monte Williams, 4-star point guard Trent Frazier, and 3-star guard Javon Pickett.

This is a pretty solid class that should make the NCAA Tournament every year they are together.

But, I would kind of be disappointed if this is the scenario that plays out.  Illinois needs more depth for 2017.

There is going to be a hole in the paint for the Illini if they fail to snag another big man.  All they will have is Tilmon, who is 6-foot-10.

Here is what the starting lineup would likely look like if everything finished up the way it stands right now.

Point Guard: Te’Jon Lucas, Backup: Trent Frazier

Shooting Guard: Jalen Coleman-Lands, Backup: Aaron Jordan, 3rd Rotation: Javon Pickett

Guard/Forward: Kipper Nichols, Backup: Da’Monte Williams

Forward: Leron Black, Backup: DJ Williams

Center: Jeremiah Tilmon, Backup: Michael Finke

That is a lineup that could do some damage in the Big Ten and in the college basketball landscape.

Next: Scenario #2