Writing Illini
Fansided

Illinois Basketball: 4 things the Illini need to change

By Rees Woodcock

GLENDALE, AZ - APRIL 03: The ball goes through the hoop during warm ups before the game between the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four National Championship game at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 3, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - APRIL 03: The ball goes through the hoop during warm ups before the game between the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four National Championship game at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 3, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
Illinois basketball
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 19: Illinois Men’s Basketball Head Coach Brad Underwood speaks at the 2017 Big Ten Basketball Media Day at Madison Square Garden on October 19, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

4. The starting lineup should be thought about

The Illinois starting lineup this season has been Te’Jon Lucas at the No. 1 spot, Mark Smith at the No. 2, Mark Alstork No. 3, Leron Black No. 4 and Michael Finke No. 5. This lineup is good but I think it could be even better.

There are a few players that I would contemplate getting in the starting lineup. The first player being Aaron Jordan. Jordan has been sensational this year off the bench but he only received 23 minutes last night. If he would have received starter minutes, this game could have been completely different.

The player Jordan would replace would be Mark Alstork. I know, Alstork had a solid game last night. This was his best game of the season as he finished 4-of-8 from the field for 14 points. He got to the line six times as well and made all of them. He played well but he still saw 40 minutes for the Illini.

In only 23 minutes, Jordan had 10 points. So, for just about half the minutes, Jordan managed to score almost the same amount of points. That is another reason he should be in the starting lineup.

If Illinois doesn’t do that, I would also like to see consideration of getting Kipper Nichols a few starts at the No. 3 spot in place of Alstork. He would bring a bigger body in there and would give the Illini more size on the floor. He didn’t play great last night but I think there is a lot of potential there if he gets starter minutes.

I know, it sounds like I hate Alstork but that is not the case. I like the kid’s ability. I would love to see him coming off the bench and being a spark plug for this Illini team. He could still get 23-25 minutes and in that time, become an aggressive beast. He is a really good player.

Next: Hold on Illini fans, recruiting is about to heat up

But, I think this Illini lineup might need a shakeup. Illinois has some talented players that are riding the pine right now and it is time to see what they can do in starter roles.

Home/Illinois Basketball