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Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup if DJ Carton was added

By Rees Woodcock

COLUMBUS, OHIO - NOVEMBER 22: D.J. Carton #3 of the Ohio State Buckeyes reacts after getting fouled in the game against the Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons during the first half at Value City Arena on November 22, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OHIO - NOVEMBER 22: D.J. Carton #3 of the Ohio State Buckeyes reacts after getting fouled in the game against the Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons during the first half at Value City Arena on November 22, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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Illinois basketball
LADERA RANCH, CA – JULY 19: NY Jayhawks guard Andre Curbelo dribbles up the court during the adidas Gauntlet Finale on July 19, 2018 at the Ladera Sports Center in Ladera Ranch, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

No. 1 Guard

Starter: Andre Curbelo (SO)

When the 2021-22 season rolls around, I think the Illinois basketball team is going to be loaded with great talent. While we would lose a couple of key pieces, the future of this program still looks bright. Having Andre Curbelo starting at the No. 1 guard is a huge reason why this program is in good hands.

Curbelo is coming in from the class of 2020 and should be an instant sensation for the Orange and Blue. The potential departure of Ayo Dosunmu has people nervous, but Curbelo’s abilities on the court should ease people’s minds. This kid was the No. 55 player in the class of 2020 and the No. 7 point guard in the nation. I think he is going to be a great option bringing the ball up the court.

Backup: Austin Hutcherson (SR)

Stability in the second rotation is key for the Illini. We all witnessed what strength coming off the bench can do for a team this past season. In 2021-22, I see Illinois having senior experience replacing the starters throughout the game. Illinois should be able to deploy Austin Hutcherson to give Curbelo a rest.

Hutcherson transferred in from Wesleyan University where he averaged 12 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. He had to sit out this past season, but he will be eligible to play as a junior next year. So, by 2021-22, Hutcherson will be a senior and contributing solid minutes. It is exciting to have someone like him coming off the bench.

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