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

By Rees Woodcock

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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Dec 3, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions forward Payton Banks (0) defends Wright State Raiders guard Mark Alstork (24) 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) defends Wright State Raiders guard Mark Alstork (24) during the first half at Bryce Jordan Center. Penn State defeated Wright State 72-50. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3 Guard/Forward

Starter: Mark Alstork

Illinois snagged the prized graduate transfer in Mark Alstork. He was a great get for the Illini and someone who should provide great starting minutes for the team. Look for Alstork to start at the No. 3 spot for Underwood’s squad this upcoming season.

Alstork transferred in from Wright State where he was impressive. He finished his final year with the Raiders averaging 19 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. In Underwood’s offense, expect Alstork to get into space as the ball handling guards push the ball up-court. This will enable him to get easy buckets beyond the arc and in the paint.

Backup: Aaron Jordan

A key player this year that didn’t get much playing time last season is Aaron Jordan. This kid came into the Illinois basketball program touted as a great shooter but hasn’t really had the chance to shine since arriving in Champaign. That could all change this season, though.

Jordan is likely to be the backup at the No. 3 spot for the Illini. He will see more than the 6.9 minutes per game he received last season. He also only played in 24 games as well, which should increase this year. Jordan is going to be an important piece this season and it will be interesting to see how Underwood uses him.

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