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Illinois Basketball: Breaking down the guards for 2017

By Zachary Leslie

Feb 18, 2017; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes guard Peter Jok (14) shoots the ball as Illinois Fighting Illini guard Te'Jon Lucas (3) defends during the first half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2017; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes guard Peter Jok (14) shoots the ball as Illinois Fighting Illini guard Te'Jon Lucas (3) defends during the first half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /
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Illinois basketball
Dec 3, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Wright State Raiders guard Mark Alstork (24) dribbles the ball during the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Bryce Jordan Center. Penn State defeated Wright State 72-50. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4 Mark Alstork (Senior Transfer)

Illinois basketball fans got a boost of confidence about their 2017-2018 squad when Mark Alstork from Wright State chose Illinois over LSU, South Carolina, Louisville and others. He averaged 19 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists at Wright State last season, and he is looking for big minutes and a chance to prove himself to NBA scouts.

Alstork will be eligible immediately for the Illini. He spent his first year in the college ranks with the Ball State Cardinals. After one season in Muncie, he decided to take his talents to the Wright State Raiders. Now he is a graduate transfer finishing up his final year.

Underwood and his staff really worked hard to get Alstork and it paid off. He will be asked to put up big numbers and help the younger guys get settled in.

Immediately, Alstork will be looked to for the big moments and the final shot of the game. It seems as though he is confident enough to take them. He gives the Illini almost unprecedented depth at the guard position.

Will Alstork be All-Big Ten by the end of the season? It is possible, but as long as he puts up solid numbers fans should be pleased.

Prediction: Starter

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