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Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup without Ayo Dosunmu

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - DECEMBER 11: Members of the Illinois Fighting Illini huddle as Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini watches before the game against the Michigan Wolverines at State Farm Center on December 11, 2019 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - DECEMBER 11: Members of the Illinois Fighting Illini huddle as Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini watches before the game against the Michigan Wolverines at State Farm Center on December 11, 2019 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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LADERA RANCH, CA – JULY 19: NY Jayhawks guard Andre Curbelo brings the ball 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

Despite the departure of some all-time greats, we still have some talented players on the team and coming into the program. One of the biggest snags by Brad Underwood and the Illinois coaching staff was Andre Curbelo.

I have Curbelo coming into the Illinois program and starting day one at the No. 1 spot. I would argue this kid is the most underrated recruit I have ever seen come to Champaign. He is only the No. 55 player in the class of 2020, but I believe he should be a top 20 talent. I think his ability to distribute the ball is better than anyone coming into the college ranks. Curbelo’s ability to score the ball is incredible as well. It would not shock me to see Illinois win back-to-back Big Ten Freshman of the Year awards.

Backup: Austin Hutcherson

Illinois was able to land Austin Hutcherson this past season as a transfer from Wesleyan University. He had to sit out a year due to NCAA transfer rules, but I fully expect him to come into the program and contribute right away.

I have Hutcherson pegged as the backup No. 1 to Curbelo right now. But, honestly, he is going to probably be subbed in for a variety of players. I expect him to come in for the No. 1, 2 and 3 guard spots on the team when players need rest. Hutcherson averaged 20 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game in his final season with the Cardinals.

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