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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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Jan 28, 2017; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions forward Lamar Stevens (11) holds the ball as Illinois Fighting Illini forward Kipper Nichols (2) defends during the second half at Bryce Jordan Center. Penn State defeated Illinois 71-67. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2017; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions forward Lamar Stevens (11) holds the ball as Illinois Fighting Illini forward Kipper Nichols (2) defends during the second half at Bryce Jordan Center. Penn State defeated Illinois 71-67. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4 Forward

Starter: Kipper Nichols

Despite Illinois snagging a few big men for the class of 2017, expect Kipper Nichols to still be starting at the No. 4 spot for the Illini this upcoming season. Those newcomers are so young and raw, so they shouldn’t be starting right away. Nichols will have the chance to start at the No. 4 spot early on in the season.

Last year, Nichols only had a chance to play in 21 games thanks to NCAA transfer rules. But, in the time he did receive, he impressed fans tremendously. He averaged 4.9 points and 2.9 rebounds per game and his shooting ability improved every game. Look for him to be a high-energy player for the Illini this year.

Backup: Greg Eboigbodin

One of the two big men that Underwood snagged in the class of 2017 is Greg Eboigbodin. He is a two-star recruit who isn’t ranked in the top 100 and isn’t ranked in his position either. He is a 6-foot-9, 220-pound big player who can help with the size deficiency the Illini were heading into the season with.

Expect Eboigbodin to be eased into playing time for Illinois this season. Don’t be surprised if he only receives an average of 8-12 minutes per game this year. He is a kid who needs a lot of coaching but could be pretty special down the road.

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