Illinois Basketball: Starting lineup with Matic Vesel for 2017-18

Dec 21, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; A general view of the court as both teams warmup before the game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and Missouri Tigers at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; A general view of the court as both teams warmup before the game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and Missouri Tigers at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
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Illinois basketball
Mar 9, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Te’Jon Lucas (3) shoots the ball in front of Michigan Wolverines forward Moritz Wagner (13), Wolverines forward D.J. Wilson (5), and Fighting Illini center Maverick Morgan (22) in the first half during the Big Ten Conference Tournament at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

No. 1 Guard

Starter: Te’Jon Lucas

Last season, Te’Jon Lucas developed into a leader on this Illinois basketball team. He started off slow because of coaching but really came on late in the year to help this program to some victories.

Lucas’ presence on the basketball court was great for the Illini. His passing ability wowed people, and his team leading 3.1 assists per game will surely grow this upcoming season. He will once again be the leader on this team that will hopefully, make the NCAA tournament.

Backup: Trent Frazier

The main backup to Lucas will likely be incoming freshman, Trent Frazier. Frazier was a four-star recruit who was the No. 85 player in the class of 2017 and the No. 21 point guard in the nation. Having him as the main backup will help this team tremendously.

Over the last five years or so, this Illini team has barely had one solid point guard on the squad. Now they have a backup who has tremendous talent. This will only help moving forward. Look for Frazier to get a lot of minutes year one as well.