Illinois Basketball: Illini starting lineup compared to the 2012-13 team

2 of 7

CHICAGO, IL – MARCH 14: Illinois Fighting Illini guard Ayo Dosunmu (11) goes up for a shot during a Big Ten Tournament game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Iowa Hawkeyes on March 14, 2019, at the United Center in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Patrick Gorski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

No. 1 Guard

Brad Underwood – Ayo Dosunmu

John Groce – Tracy Abrams

The comparison between each of these players is hard because I have a certain place in my heart for all players who suit up for the Illini. During the best season of the John Groce era, the Illini had Tracy Abrams as their starting No. 1 guard.

Honestly, Abrams’ name should have a little asterisk next to it because of his career trajectory. In 2012-13, he was one of the main players on the Illini. He averaged 10.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.4 steals per game. This was, arguably, his best season with the Orange and Blue. As an Illinois fan, we all know that after his junior season, Abrams went down with multiple injuries and was never the same.

With that being said, I think it is clear that Ayo Dosunmu is the better option at the No. 1 spot for the Illini. While Abrams was good for the team he was on, Ayo might be the best player out of the two teams I am comparing. He averaged 13.8 points, 4 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.3 steals his freshman season. He is going to be an NBA Draft pick as well. There is no doubt in my mind that Ayo is the upgrade at this position.

Home/Illinois Basketball