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Illinois Basketball: Starting lineup with the class of 2018

By Rees Woodcock

Mar 4, 2017; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys head coach Brad Underwood during the game against the Kansas Jayhawks during the first half at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys head coach Brad Underwood during the game against the Kansas Jayhawks during the first half at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-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 as Michigan Wolverines guard Zak Irvin (21) defends 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

This upcoming season should be pretty good for Te’Jon Lucas. He played well in a system that wasn’t conducive to success and now he has Underwood to help him progress his career.

Lucas will likely be the starter in 2018 for the Illini as well. If he continues to improve, look for Lucas to be a mainstay in the Orange and Blue. He is an extremely talented point guard who will be a junior in 2018.

Backup: Trent Frazier

Illinois’ primary backup in 2017, Trent Frazier, will also be the primary backup heading into 2018 as well. That doesn’t mean he won’t see minutes, though. He will still be a huge part of this Illinois basketball team racking up over 20 minutes per game as he becomes interchangeable throughout the lineup.

Frazier is going to be able to fit in anywhere in the lineup. He has great handles, he can shoot the ball and he is a great all-around player. If Underwood wanted to play him alongside Lucas and Smith at times, he could. There is no doubt in my mind they will find plenty of playing time for Frazier throughout his time with the Illinois basketball program.

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