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Illinois Basketball: Minutes breakdown for Illini forwards

By Rees Woodcock

Jan 4, 2017; Austin, TX, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys head coach Brad Underwood reacts and breaks a clipboard against the Texas Longhorns during the second half at the Frank Erwin Center. The Longhorns won 82-79. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 4, 2017; Austin, TX, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys head coach Brad Underwood reacts and breaks a clipboard against the Texas Longhorns during the second half at the Frank Erwin Center. The Longhorns won 82-79. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 23, 2017; New York, NY, USA; A view as the ball goes in the basket during practice the day before the East Regional semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2017; New York, NY, USA; A view as the ball goes in the basket during practice the day before the East Regional semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /

Matic Vesel

Illinois received a very interesting commitment from a class of 2017 recruit by the name of Matic Vesel. This was a surprise commitment but the Illini ended up landing this big man from Slovenia.

Vesel was a great pickup by Underwood. He still needed another big guy for the future and Vesel fit that bill. He is a 6-foot-9, 200-pound player who will be used in many different ways this upcoming season.

The Illini needed someone like Vesel. He has a 6-foot-10 wingspan, which will help in defending the paint. He also performed well in the FIBA 18U league as well. He averaged 28.2 minutes in that league and during that time put up 7.7 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. If he can bring that production to Illinois it would be a huge help.

Don’t expect Vesel to get a ton of playing time early on. He will likely share the third string duties with Eboigbodin but both of these players will get minutes. Expect Vesel to see something like 10 minutes per game. He will get a chance to shine when he is in, but he still has room to grow.

Next: Minutes breakdown for Illini guards

The Illini have a lot of options for the No. 4 and No. 5 spots on the team. Underwood has a roster he can mold into an NCAA tournament contender.

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