Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini starting lineup with Coleman Hawkins

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CHAMPAIGN, IL – FEBRUARY 05: Illinois Fighting Illini guard Tevian Jones (5) and Illinois Fighting Illini guard Da’Monte Williams (20) high five fans in the tunnel that leads to the locker room at the conclusion of the Big Ten Conference college basketball game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Illinois Fighting Illini on February 5, 2019, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

No. 3 Guard/Forward

Starter: Tevian Jones

I am looking to see how a few players develop this upcoming season, so I can predict how the future will be for the Illini. One player that I am pretty confident will develop nicely over the next couple of years is Tevian Jones.

When Jones was in last season, he was sensational. His athletic ability was seen a few times but his overall game is what I am excited about. He can shoot the three-point shot. He can get to the rim and finish. He can jump out of the building too. This kid is going to be special. I have him developing well this upcoming season and then being the starter for the Illini at the No. 3 spot in 2020-2021. I think he will fit well in this position.

Backup: Jacob Grandison

The backup to Jones at the No. 3 spot could be Jacob Grandison. He is another incoming transfer for the Illini who should help this program win some games moving forward.

Grandison transferred in from Holy Cross where he played well. He averaged 13.9 points, 5 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game while with the Crusaders. I expect those numbers to decline a little bit, but he should be a solid player for this program. Don’t be shocked if you see a start or two out of him over the next couple of seasons.

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