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Illinois Basketball: Top 5 most important players for the Illini

By Rees Woodcock

EAST LANSING, MI - FEBRUARY 20: Kipper Nichols
EAST LANSING, MI - FEBRUARY 20: Kipper Nichols /
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PORTLAND, OR – APRIL 9: Andres Feliz #4 the World Select Team drives to the basket against the USA Junior Select Team during the game on April 9, 2016 at the MODA Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR – APRIL 9: Andres Feliz #4 the World Select Team drives to the basket against the USA Junior Select Team during the game on April 9, 2016 at the MODA Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Andres Feliz

The reason I am putting Andres Feliz as one of the top five most important players heading into next season is that he is filling a crucial role on this Illini team. He is someone who is going to play solid minutes and should be one of the leaders.

Feliz is coming in from the class of 2018. He played for Northwest Florida State College in the junior college ranks last season. He will have two years of eligibility remaining when he enters the program. He was sensational with the Northwest Florida State as well.

In 34 games this past season, Feliz finished averaging 20 points, 6.1 assists and 5.7 rebounds per game. One of his best games was against Trinity Valley where he dropped 30 points and added in six assists and seven rebounds. This great play enabled him to get national notoriety, and he finished ranked as the No. 6 JUCO player in the class of 2018 and the No. 1 point guard in the nation.

I believe Illinois snagging Feliz is going under the radar right now. Te’Jon Lucas departed after last season and this left a big hole on the team. Trent Frazier is going to need someone to spell some minutes for him. He can’t play every single minute. But, when he goes to the bench, the Illini want someone who can distribute and put points on the board. That is exactly what Feliz can do.

Feliz is going to be an important piece this season. I honestly believe the Illini upgraded at the backup No. 1 position with the addition of this talented JUCO player.

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