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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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Feb 3, 2016; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard D.J. Williams (0) dribbles the ball in the first half at Louis Brown Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 3, 2016; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard D.J. Williams (0) dribbles the ball in the first half at Louis Brown Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4 Spot

Starter: DJ Williams

DJ Williams is another player, like Jordan, that didn’t see a ton of playing time last season. He is a long, athletic, player who can perform well when given a chance.

Williams would go games without playing a single minute and then randomly he would play in the biggest game of the year against Michigan in the Big Ten Tournament. The use of Williams just didn’t make sense.

I think Williams has the ability to be a special player still. He isn’t great at shooting, but he is athletic and can run the floor well. I could see him starting a lot of fastbreak opportunities.

Getting Williams involved at the No. 4 spot is big for the Illini. He can perform well and now we have a coach who can tap into that talent.

Backup: Michael Finke

If the roster was finalized today, Finke would play multiple backup roles. If Williams needed a breather or Underwood wants to go with a bigger lineup at times, then that is where he would come into play.

Finke is a great shooter. He can really cause headaches for opposing defenses and I think he is an asset if used right. I am curious how he will be used in Underwood’s system.

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