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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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Illinois basketball
Mar 9, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Jalen Coleman-Lands (5) shoots the ball as Michigan Wolverines guard Duncan Robinson (22) defends in the first half during the Big Ten Conference Tournament at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2 Spot

Starter: Jalen Coleman-Lands

Last season wasn’t good for Jalen Coleman-Lands. He just couldn’t find his touch on a consistent basis and this hurt his performance and the team.

But, I am willing to give Coleman-Lands a pass on that year because the previous regime’s offense wasn’t conducive to scoring. This upcoming season should be a different story, though.

Coleman-Lands has a great three-point shot. He has the ability to make a three-pointer from just about anywhere on the floor. I can’t wait to see what he can do with an offensive that is fast-paced and can get him more shots per game.

I would also like to see Coleman-Lands develop his drive as well. He needs to be able to get to the rim more often and that will lead to more Illini scoring opportunities.

Backup: Da’Monte Williams

Illinois needs more depth and that is one of the reasons that Da’Monte Williams committing was huge. He comes in from the class of 2017 and will help with the backup role the next few seasons.

Williams is coming off some injury plagued years in high school, but he should be healthy when the season rolls around. He might end up being looked at to be the primary backup to Coleman-Lands.

I think Williams is more the slasher that Illinois needs to really throw the defense off. He can shoot the ball well, but he has a bigger body that can get in the lane. Coleman-Lands and Williams will be a dangerous duo this season.

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