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Illinois Basketball: Top recruiting needs for the Illini

By Rees Woodcock

Mar 9, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Michael Finke (43) shoots the ball in front of Michigan Wolverines guard Derrick Walton Jr. (10) in the first half during the Big Ten Conference Tournament at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Michael Finke (43) shoots the ball in front of Michigan Wolverines guard Derrick Walton Jr. (10) in the first half during the Big Ten Conference Tournament at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 9, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Kipper Nichols (2) 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. 3 Guard/Small Forward (Current: 2, Need: 1)

I am guessing that Underwood is going to want a guard at this position most of the time, but Illinois does have some athletic forwards that can stretch the opposing defenses.

Right now, the Illini have two players at the guard/forward No. 3 spot. I have Kipper Nichols potentially starting because he is a game changer. Last season he really showed that he belonged in the Big Ten and you could see his potential on the basketball court.

I really expect Nichols to take another step forward in his career this season. He has the abilities and now he can run with this style of offense.

Behind Nichols, I have DJ Williams. He is another one of those players that didn’t see a ton of time last year because it seemed like he was in Groce’s doghouse.  But, I truly believe he will shine in this offense as well.

Williams has a ton of potential that everyone sees. I think he will be one of the surprise players this season.

Illinois needs one more guard/forward they can fit in the No. 3 slot. That would really help this team with depth and ability to stay fresh. That is one of the keys to Underwood’s offense moving forward.

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