Illinois Basketball: Illini lineup with Ayo Dosunmu & Kofi Cockburn returning

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WEST LAFAYETTE, IN – JANUARY 21: Trent Frazier #1 of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts after a three point basket during the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Mackey Arena on January 21, 2020 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

No. 1 Guard

Starter: Trent Frazier

The starting No. 1 guard for next season will continue being Trent Frazier. He has transitioned into the No. 1 guard role this season and has done a pretty good job. I would be comfortable with him starting here next season as well.

There have been times Frazier has struggled on the offensive end of the court this season. This might be due to him getting his teammates more involved in the game. It could also have something to do with him focusing more on defense. Either way, I think Frazier is starting to get more comfortable with his role on this team. He is the main ball handler up the court, and I think this will be where he fits in as a senior too.

Backup: Andre Curbelo

While I believe Frazier is going to be the starter next season at the No. 1 spot, I also believe Andre Curbelo is going to come in and be in a timeshare with Frazier. This kid is too good not to see the floor frequently.

Curbelo is only ranked No. 54 in the class of 2020, but he is a much better player than his ranking says. I think he is going to be sensational for this Illini program. At the high school level, Curbelo is outperforming some of the best players in the country. Don’t be shocked if he comes into the Illini program and is a huge spark plug off the bench year one.

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