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Illinois Basketball: Mark Alstork to Illini is still possible

By Rees Woodcock

Dec 3, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions forward Payton Banks (0) dribbles the ball as Wright State Raiders guard Mark Alstork (24) defends during the first half at Bryce Jordan Center. Penn State defeated Wright State 72-50. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions forward Payton Banks (0) dribbles the ball as Wright State Raiders guard Mark Alstork (24) defends during the first half at Bryce Jordan Center. Penn State defeated Wright State 72-50. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports /
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Illinois basketball fans have a big reason to get excited about Mark Alstork.

Just two weeks ago, Alstork cut his list down to just six programs he will be choosing from. That list included Pittsburgh, South Carolina, Louisville, LSU, Georgetown and Illinois. He wasn’t finished there, though. Another cut to his list was made yesterday.

Alstork posted on Twitter he is down to his final four teams he will be choosing from. The teams who made it out of the six were LSU, Pittsburgh, South Carolina and Illinois. One of these four programs will be the landing spot for this talented transfer.


Illinois needs Alstork for multiple reasons. This kid has the talent to be an impact player immediately, and the more players like this on the Illini the better.

The Illini currently have Te’Jon Lucas, Mark Smith, Jalen Coleman-Lands, Trent Frazier and Aaron Jordan all filling the guard roles. One would have to assume Brad Underwood is going to go with a three-guard starting rotation as well. That means Illinois is going to be thin at the guard position without Alstork.

If Illinois can land Alstork, the future would be extremely bright for the program. The Writing Illini projected Lucas starting at the No. 1 spot, Smith at the No. 2 spot and Coleman-Lands at the No. 3 spot. This has been disputed because some people don’t believe Alstork would be behind Coleman-Lands if he decided to pick the Illini.

Either way, the outcome of the situation would be fine. If Coleman-Lands started the Illini would succeed, and if Alstork got the nod the team would still flourish. What some fans don’t realize is Underwood uses a deep lineup and he gives his players minutes. No matter who starts, the player next in line will also get a lot of time on the court.

At Oklahoma State, Underwood ran a high-powered offense that had 10 players average 13 or more minutes per game. This will likely happen at Illinois and it is another reason why landing Alstork is so important to this program.

Next: Illini roster with Akoy Agau and Mark Alstork

Illinois will likely trot out three guards in the starting lineup. That means they need three guards to back up those three guards. No matter who is starting, the Illini need Alstork to complete this six guard dominate rotation. This is a big recruit for Underwood. Land Alstork and the Illini will have a bright future.

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