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Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup without Alan Griffin & Tevian Jones

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - MARCH 01: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini salutes the fans following the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at State Farm Center on March 1, 2020 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - MARCH 01: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini salutes the fans following the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at State Farm Center on March 1, 2020 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 10: Adam Miller drives to the basket during the Nike Academy Showcase Game on August 10, 2019 at the Los Angeles Southwest College in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

No. 3 Guard

Starter: Adam Miller (FR)

The No. 3 guard spot makes me a little nervous purely based on the lack of depth. But I am extremely happy with who I have starting at this position, though. I think Adam Miller would fit in perfectly at the No. 3 guard spot. He is a talented incoming freshman who could light the world on fire.

Coming out of Morgan Park High School in Chicago, Miller was rated as a four-star recruit who was the No. 33 player in the class of 2020 and the No. 7 shooting guard in the nation. He was one of the best recruits and was a McDonald’s All-American snub. This kid is one of the hardest-working players I have ever seen. I think the Illini are getting a great recruit in Miller, and it wouldn’t shock me to see him be a one-and-done.

Backup: Graduate transfer

Behind Miller, I have no one right now. It is mostly like Jacob Grandison and Austin Hutcherson come in for either of the No. 1-3 guards that are starting. But I think this is a great opportunity to bring in a couple of graduate transfers.

One option as a backup guard who could come in from day one and put up big numbers is Carlik Jones. Illinois is pursuing this talented guard who is a graduate transfer from Radford. He averaged 20 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game last season. I would see Jones playing multiple positions for the Illini.

Backup: Graduate transfer

I want another graduate transfer to come into the program for next season too. We would have two scholarships open if Ayo Dosunmu doesn’t come back. So, I wouldn’t mind seeing a player like Jonah Antonio in this position. He didn’t put up the best numbers last season with UNLV, but he could come in and give some depth to the Illini immediately.

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