Illinois Basketball: Player expectations for 2017-2018 season

March 17, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; General view of the court before the game between the Oregon Ducks and the Iona Gaels in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
March 17, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; General view of the court before the game between the Oregon Ducks and the Iona Gaels in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
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Illinois Sports
Dec 21, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; A general view of the Illinois Fighting Illini cheerleaders warming up before the game against the Missouri Tigers at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The Bench

Drew Cayce

Drew Cayce had to sit out a year because of transfer rules last season. It is highly doubtful he sees too many minutes this upcoming season. He will likely be deep on the bench.

Expect Cayce to average something like 4 minutes and 2 points per game this upcoming season.

Samson Oladimeji

Last season, Samson Oladimeji averaged 1.1 minutes per game in the seven games he had a chance to play in. He didn’t get a chance to play much for the Illini and the same result will probably happen this year as well.

Oladimeji averaged .3 points and .4 rebounds per game in the time he did receive last season. Those numbers are likely to be about the same.

Clayton Jones

Clayton Jones played in nine games last season for the Illinois basketball team. In those games, he averaged 1.2 minutes and .4 points per game. His production will probably stay about the same this season as well.

Next: Who’s departing, returning and new for the Illini

Cameron Liss

Illinois redshirted Cameron Liss last season. He will be able to play this year, though. The last time Liss saw action was two years ago. He played in five games and averaged 2 minutes and .6 points per game. His production will likely increase a little but he shouldn’t be an impact player.