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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: Trent Frazier
PISCATAWAY, NJ – FEBRUARY 25: Trent Frazier /

4. Trent Frazier

The most exciting and entertaining player on the Illinois basketball team last season was Trent Frazier. This kid exuded energy. He was a special player as a true freshman, and I expect him to be even better and more efficient heading into this upcoming season as well.

Frazier didn’t have high expectations from the fan base heading into his first season in the Orange and Blue. The talk of the town was about Mark Smith and how the Illini landed the 2017 Illinois Mr. Basketball. But, we all know how that ended up. Illinois fans quickly realized how great Frazier was going to be for this team and the leader he had become.

While the Illini didn’t have great success last season, Frazier was one of the bright spots. He ended up averaging 26.3 minutes per game and in that time, he averaged 12.5 points, 3.1 assists, 1.8 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game. He was an all-around great player for this team, and I look for that to continue next season as well.

Frazier is a sure-fire starter for this team. He will likely be starting at the No. 1 spot as the primary ball handler. He will probably be bringing the ball up most of the time. This would benefit the entire team. Frazier works well with the ball. His role next season is going to be as the leader of this team. Ayo Dosunmu is coming in, but Frazier is going to need to lead by example not only on the court but off the court as well.

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