Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini starting lineup with Andres Feliz

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 15: A detail view of the March Madness logo that is embossed into the official tournament basketballs is seen during an open public practice during the practice day before the first round of the 2018 NCAA Tournament on March 15, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena, in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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PISCATAWAY, NJ – FEBRUARY 25: Kipper Nichols /

No. 4 Guard/Forward

Starter: Kipper Nichols

Illinois is going to probably end up going small this season. The No. 4 spot was left empty as Leron Black departed for the NBA. They need to find someone to fill in for him and I think Kipper Nichols would be a suitable option. While he is smaller – 6-foot-6, 225-pounds – I think he would be a great option at the No. 4 spot.

Last season was pretty good for Nichols as well. He finished the year averaging 10 points and 4.2 rebounds per game in 19 minutes of action. He is likely to see a lot more minutes this season. I expect him to get around 24-27 minutes per game. This minutes increase should also bump up his production as well.

Backup: Matic Vesel

Matic Vesel didn’t have a big role on this Illinois basketball team last year. He only played 4.4 minutes per game but this upcoming season, I could see him getting more minutes and being the primary backup to Nichols at the No. 4 spot.

Vesel should see somewhere around 10 minutes per game this year. He needs to take a step forward or the Illini could struggle even more in the paint. But, I have faith Vesel will impress in the time he does see on the court.

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