Illinois Basketball: 5 takeaways from Illini win over Missouri

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CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 16: Illinois Fighting Illini guard Aaron Jordan (23) dribbles to the basket after Illinois Fighting Illini forward Leron Black (12) sets a pick on New Mexico State Aggies guard Zach Lofton (23) during the game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the New Mexico State Aggies on December 16, 2017 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

5. Let’s revisit the starting lineup

I usually have this slide in every week because the starting lineup does need to be addressed. It is not the best it could be right now, and that is an issue I am having with Underwood.

After the Missouri win, I think the lineup still needs to be changed up a bit. Black is one of the Illini’s best players and should be in there. Michael Finke took a step forward last night and got his shooting touch back. He should still be in the starting lineup.

Mainly, I am looking at the Illini guards. Lucas, Alstork and Smith are the ones I am eyeing. Honestly, I still want Smith in there because he does bring scoring ability and I like his grit. He is going to be a special player for this program in the near future.

But, the other two guards I would change. I like Lucas and what he could do off the bench. He is a little sparkplug who could come in and give the Illini some more energy. He would be a sensational bench player for the Illini. I would have Frazier replace Lucas in the starting lineup.

I have already talked about who I would replace Alstork with. I think Jordan would be a great option right now. He would give the Illini scoring, and he can do a lot of different things on the basketball court.

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I would like the starting lineup to be Frazier, Smith, Jordan, Black and Finke moving forward. That would leave Williams, Lucas, Nichols and Alstork to come off the bench. I think this is the best game plan right now.

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