Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini roster breakdown for 2017-18

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Feb 7, 2017; Evanston, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Jalen Coleman-Lands (5) and Northwestern Wildcats forward Vic Law (4) fight for the rebound during the second half of the game at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2 Guard

Starter: Jalen Coleman-Lands

This past season was a struggle for Jalen Colman-Lands. He was supposed to have a big year but he just couldn’t find a groove.

Coleman-Lands’ points per game dropped from 10.3 to 8 and his shooting rate went from 41.2-percent to 36.6-percent. He is a great shooter that needs to find the right offense to flourish.

In Underwood’s offense, I have no doubt that Coleman-Lands will do great things. He has the talent and now he has the coach to get that talent out of him.

Backup: Da’Monte Williams

The most underrated recruit in the class of 2017 is Da’Monte Williams. He isn’t in the top 100 but is clearly at top 100 player, in my opinion.

I think Williams has a chance to come in early and make an impact on this Illinois basketball team. He has the pedigree to become a superstar at the college level and I think Underwood will get a lot out of him.

Williams is a solid shooter and ball handler, but what I like most is he is a fighter. He is a strong guard who can drive and dish and just be the muscle this Illini team needs on both sides of the court.

Third-String: Aaron Jordan

It has been a weird roller coast since Aaron Jordan came to Champaign. He was a four-star recruit at one time but during the previous regime, he got lost in the mix for some reason.

I don’t think Jordan is done with this team just yet. He has a lot of talent still left in him and I think with the right coach he can continue to improve.

Jordan still lacks on the defensive side of the court but I know he has some serious offensive potential inside. Underwood will hopefully unleash that potential and get Jordan back on track.

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