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Illinois Basketball: Roles of the five returning Illini players

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - JANUARY 30: Kipper Nichols #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini is seen before the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at State Farm Center on January 30, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - JANUARY 30: Kipper Nichols #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini is seen before the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at State Farm Center on January 30, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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PISCATAWAY, NJ – FEBRUARY 25: Da’Monte Williams #20 of the Illinois Fighting Illini in action against Issa Thiam #35 and Deshawn Freeman #33 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the first half of a game at Rutgers Athletic Center on February 25, 2018 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Illinois defeated Rutgers 75-62. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NJ – FEBRUARY 25: Da’Monte Williams #20 of the Illinois Fighting Illini in action against Issa Thiam #35 and Deshawn Freeman #33 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the first half of a game at Rutgers Athletic Center on February 25, 2018 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Illinois defeated Rutgers 75-62. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

3. Da’Monte Williams

The 2017-2018 season was the first for guard Da’Monte Williams. If you would have asked how Williams’ first season in Champaign was going to go two years ago, the answer would have been amazing. This kid was in the top 60 in the recruiting rankings before some injuries during his senior campaign.

Last year was mainly about integrating Williams into the college basketball game. He was only 10 months removed from ACL surgery and the fact he was on the court was quite amazing. Getting him up to speed was a priority for this coaching staff. They didn’t throw him into 30 minutes of action right away. This was a smart decision.

This upcoming season, I want to see them taking the training wheels off Williams. I want him to blossom as a player. He is a special talent with the blood of an Illini legend. I have no doubts he will be good for this program for the next three seasons.

Williams’ role on this Illini team will be as a utility player. He will get more minutes than the 16.9 from last season, and with this will come an increase in production. He averaged 3.5 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game during his freshman campaign.

I think Williams will likely be a primary backup for one of the three guard roles. I really could see him fitting well right behind Ayo Dosunmu at the No. 2 spot. This would make Jordan move to the No. 3. This would be the best situation for both players.

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