Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini starting lineup for the 2019-2020 season

CHAMPAIGN, IL - JANUARY 11: A basketball rolls off the court during a timeout in the Big Ten Conference game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Illinois Fighting Illini on January 11, 2017, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - JANUARY 11: A basketball rolls off the court during a timeout in the Big Ten Conference game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Illinois Fighting Illini on January 11, 2017, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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CHICAGO, IL – MARCH 13: Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood talks with Illinois Fighting Illini guard Ayo Dosunmu (11) during a Big Ten Tournament game between the Northwestern Wildcats and the Illinois Fighting Illini on March 13, 2019, at the United Center in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Patrick Gorski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – MARCH 13: Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood talks with Illinois Fighting Illini guard Ayo Dosunmu (11) during a Big Ten Tournament game between the Northwestern Wildcats and the Illinois Fighting Illini on March 13, 2019, at the United Center in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Patrick Gorski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

No. 1 Guard

Starter: Ayo Dosunmu

The leader of this team on the court should be returning sophomore, Ayo Dosunmu. He came into the Illinois program with a bunch of hype and has lived up to it every single game. He will start for the Illini this season as the No. 1 guard.

Last season, Ayo averaged 13.8 points, 4 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game. He led the team in points and assists. He was second on the team in steals and third on the team in rebounds. This kid can do it all, and that is why he is being looked at as a top NBA prospect.

Backup: Andres Feliz

I would venture to say Andres Feliz is one of the best backup point guards we have ever had on the team. The addition of Feliz last season was so helpful in the backcourt. When Ayo would need rest, Feliz would come in and not miss a beat. I think there will be times both players see the court at the same time this season as well.

Feliz finished the year averaging 8.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1 steal per game. His presence this year as the main backup to Ayo is going to be invaluable.