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Illinois Basketball: 2017-18 lineup without Jalen Coleman-Lands

By Rees Woodcock

Mar 23, 2017; New York, NY, USA; A view of game NCAA basketballs during practice the day before the East Regional semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2017; New York, NY, USA; A view of game NCAA basketballs during practice the day before the East Regional semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Illinois basketball
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. 4 Forward

Starter: Kipper Nichols

Halfway through last season, Illinois unleashed their newest transfer in Kipper Nichols. He came in from Tulane where he didn’t even play a game but was looked at as a talented player.

Nichols had to ride the pine until Christmas break because of the transfer rules. But, after the first 11 games of the season, he was eligible to play. This was a great addition for Illinois.

There were times last season Nichols wowed people with his athletic ability. He can get to the hoop and score at will. He also started to develop his outside shot as well. This upcoming season should be phenomenal for this young star.

The best game Nichols had last year was against Minnesota. He dropped 16 points and 6 rebounds in the loss, but that game showed Illini Nation what he had to offer the program.

Nichols is likely to be the starting forward for the Illini. If Illinois can another center, this role could change, though. No matter what, Nichols has the size and athletic ability to give opposing teams fits.

Open Scholarship No. 2

Illinois is still going after a handful of players in the transfer market. One player to keep an eye on is Illinois State transfer, MiKyle McIntosh. He is a 6-foot-7, 235-pound forward who would be a great asset to the Illini this upcoming season.

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