Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup with Austin Hutcherson

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CHICAGO, IL – MARCH 13: Illinois Fighting Illini guard Trent Frazier (1) passes the ball in action during a Big Ten Tournament game between the Northwestern Wildcats and Illinois Fighting Illini on March 13, 2019 at the United Center in Chicago, IL. Illinois Fighting Illini defeated Northwestern Wildcats by the score of 74 to 69 in overtime. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

No. 1 Guard

Starter: Trent Frazier (SR)

With the way the roster is constructed right now, I would have Trent Frazier bringing the rock up the court. He would be the senior leader on this Illinois basketball team and the only one who has point guard experience with his teammates.

This upcoming campaign is going to be big for Frazier. I see him having his best year yet. Last season he averaged 13.7 points, 2.6 assists and 2.3 rebounds per game. Building on those numbers this year would be great. No matter what, though, I see him as the starting No. 1 when Ayo Dosumnu departs.

Backup: Da’Monte Williams (SR)

Illinois will have experience at the backup No. 1 guard. I slotted Da’Monte Williams into this role. He is a solid senior who has been nothing but a role model for this program during his team in Champaign.

I would love to see Williams increase his numbers this upcoming season, though. He only averaged 3.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game. For the number of minutes he is receiving, he needs those numbers to be about double.

Backup: Recruit Needed

The projection of Frazier and Williams as the starter and backup at the No. 1 guard spot means we have two seniors in these roles. There needs to be a recruit come in from the class of 2020 to fill this void once these two leave. There are a few options who would be strong candidates, but the best player I have pegged for this role is Adam Miller.

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