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Illinois Basketball: Starting lineup without Jeremiah Tilmon and Javon Pickett

By Rees Woodcock

Jan 4, 2017; South Bend, IN, USA; Two basketballs are stuck in the net during warmups before the game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Louisville Cardinals at the Purcell Pavilion. Notre Dame won 77-70. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 4, 2017; South Bend, IN, USA; Two basketballs are stuck in the net during warmups before the game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Louisville Cardinals at the Purcell Pavilion. Notre Dame won 77-70. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 9, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Te’Jon Lucas (3) reaches for the ball in front of Michigan Wolverines forward Moritz Wagner (13) in the second half during the Big Ten Conference Tournament at Verizon Center. The Wolverines won 75-55. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Te’Jon Lucas (3) reaches for the ball in front of Michigan Wolverines forward Moritz Wagner (13) in the second half during the Big Ten Conference Tournament at Verizon Center. The Wolverines won 75-55. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 1 Spot

Starter: Te’Jon Lucas

Te’Jon Lucas was clearly the best point guard on the team a few games into last season, but he was not inserted into the lineup until it was too late.

Lucas is a super talented player who can score. But, what impresses me the most about his abilities is his vision. He can see the open teammate before they even get to the spot. This vision is almost like a starting quarterback.

I can’t wait to see how Lucas can develop from year one to year two. He now has a head coach who can develop players and has an offense that is fast-paced. I see him starting and eventually going into a timeshare with the backup.

Backup: Trent Frazier

The backup to Lucas is going to be incoming freshman Trent Frazier. He is another good scorer who has the vision of a quarterback.

Illinois hasn’t had a one-two punch like Lucas and Frazier since the 2005 national championship run. This pairing will be legendary when they are finished in Champaign.

I can’t wait to see a timeshare between Lucas and Frazier. I could also see both playing together at the same time as well. They both can score and distribute so the Illini won’t lose anything with both of them on the floor.

Illinois hasn’t had that luxury in a very long time.

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