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Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup if Charles Bediako was added

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - JANUARY 11: A basketball rolls off the court during a timeout in the Big Ten Conference game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Illinois Fighting Illini on January 11, 2017, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - JANUARY 11: A basketball rolls off the court during a timeout in the Big Ten Conference game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Illinois Fighting Illini on January 11, 2017, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Illinois basketball
CHICAGO – MARCH 14: The Illinois Fighting Illini cheer team runs around the court against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during a first round game of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 14, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois. Illinois defeated Minnesota 51-49. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

No. 1 Guard

Starter: Andre Curbelo

While the Illinois basketball team continues to find recruits who would fit the program, one of the leaders for the Illini in 2021 would be Andre Curbelo. The young superstar guard is coming in from the class of 2020 and should light the world on fire from day one.

I have Curbelo slotted in as the starting No. 1 guard for the Orange and Blue. His ability to handle the ball makes him the best candidate to bring the rock up the court. That is why he is in the No. 1 spot. But don’t be fooled, Curbelo is more than just a distributor. This kid reminds me of someone like Russell Westbrook. He can get to the basket and score with contact. I can’t wait to see what he brings this Illinois team.

Backup: 2021 Target

I believe the Illini will need to add a few more players to the class of 2021 if they want to truly contend for a title. With the addition of Charles Bediako, we would still have three scholarships available. I think Brad Underwood needs to use one of those scholarships on a backup No. 1 guard.

Illinois isn’t in the running for too many ball handlers in the class of 2021, though. The best option might be Jaden Hardy, but he is more of a No. 2 in my book. I think Hardy could do it all, though. So, that is the best option for the Illini right now.

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