Illinois Basketball: Best Illini lineup if Ayo Dosunmu sits Penn State game

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CHAMPAIGN, IL – FEBRUARY 07: Andres Feliz #10 of the Illinois Fighting Illini brings the ball up court during the game against the Maryland Terrapins at State Farm Center on February 7, 2020 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

No. 1 Guard

Starter: Andres Feliz

It is really tough to figure out who would fit into the best starting rotation for the Illini if we didn’t have Ayo Dosunmu suiting up moving forward. But I think I would move Andres Feliz into the starting No. 1 guard spot.

Feliz is usually a great spark plug off the bench. When he comes into the game, he has full energy and goes into bulldog mode. This has helped the Illini win some games in the past. But, at this point, we need Feliz as a starter. He is the best true point guard we have on the team. His ability to distribute the ball is important for this program.

In the first game without Ayo, Feliz managed to put up 10 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists while shooting 4-of-9 from the field and 2-of-4 from three-point range. He was arguably our best player against Rutgers. I want to see more of that.

Backup: Tyler Underwood

The backup to Feliz would, sadly, be Tyler Underwood. He doesn’t give us much because he isn’t asked to give us much, but Underwood does have some playing experience. But, if he does start receiving extended minutes, then I worry for the future of this program.

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