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Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini roster with two scholarships remaining

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - JANUARY 22: Illinois Fighting Illini cheerleaders perform during the game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Michigan State Spartans on January 22, 2018 at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - JANUARY 22: Illinois Fighting Illini cheerleaders perform during the game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Michigan State Spartans on January 22, 2018 at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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PISCATAWAY, NJ – FEBRUARY 25: Trent Frazier
PISCATAWAY, NJ – FEBRUARY 25: Trent Frazier /

No. 2 Guard

Starter: Trent Frazier

The Illinois basketball team had one of the best true freshman players come through the program last season in Trent Frazier. He dazzled early on and eventually earned the starting job for the Illini. He played the No. 1 pretty much the entire season, but I think moving Frazier over to the No. 2 spot would be best for the upcoming season.

Frazier can do a lot of different things on the basketball court. But, his best attribute is his shooting ability. He can nail a shot from anywhere on the floor and this is what Illinois will need. That is why I am moving him to the No. 2 spot. He is the best shooting option we have on the court, and having him move without the ball will cause headaches for the opposing defense.

Backup: Alan Griffin

The departure of Mark Smith from the Illinois roster hurts the depth of the program. But, adding a player like Alan Griffin should help fill that void left by Smith. He is one of those underrated recruits that has risen in notoriety over the last year.

Illinois landed Griffin over some other solid programs like Rutgers and St. John’s. Teams like Xavier were also starting to take notice. But, getting Griffin was big for the Illini because they needed depth.

I have Griffin slotted in as the backup behind Frazier at the No. 2 guard spot. His strong point is shooting, but he can also get to the rim. He is a playmaker and that is what Illinois needs throughout the roster.

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