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Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini starting lineup with Kofi Cockburn

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - DECEMBER 29: Illinois Fighting Illini cheerleaders run across the court carrying flags during the college basketball game between the Florida Atlantic University Owls and the Illinois Fighting Illini on December 29, 2018, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - DECEMBER 29: Illinois Fighting Illini cheerleaders run across the court carrying flags during the college basketball game between the Florida Atlantic University Owls and the Illinois Fighting Illini on December 29, 2018, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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CHAMPAIGN, IL – JANUARY 30: Kipper Nichols
CHAMPAIGN, IL – JANUARY 30: Kipper Nichols /

No. 3 Guard/Forward

Starter: Kipper Nichols

There are a few players who have really struggled this season and Kipper Nichols is one of them. For some reason, he hasn’t been able to get into the flow of the game. He isn’t shooting well and his rebounding is off.

Despite the struggles this season, Nichols will be a senior next year. I see him probably retaining the starting job heading into the season. I am not so sure he will keep it, though. Tevian Jones is right there as well. Nichols has averaged 8.5 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game this season.

Backup: Tevian Jones

Illinois fans really haven’t seen the full scope of what Tevian Jones can do on the basketball court. We have only seen him for seven games this season due to a suspension. In his first game back in eight contests, he struggled.

Again, despite the struggles, I think Jones is going to have a bright future with the Illini. He hasn’t had a chance to start developing under Brad Underwood, so the rest of the season remains important for Jones. I want to see solid development. I think there is a shot he starts over Nichols next season.

Backup: Remaining Scholarship

Illinois has one scholarship remaining and I would like for them to scoop up a solid wing player who can shoot from distance. They need someone who is athletic with solid size. I think a nice shooter at this spot would be perfect.

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