Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup with the addition of Brandon Lieb

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA - FEBRUARY 18: The Illinois Fighting Illini logo on a pair of shorts during a college basketball game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at the Bryce Jordan Center on February 18, 2020 in University Park, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /

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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

With the, potential, loss of Ayo Dosunmu, the Illinois basketball team is going to need a solid replacement at the No. 1 guard spot. Thankfully, Brad Underwood and his coaching staff were able to recruit someone like Andre Curbelo.

Curbelo is a 6-foot point guard who can play the traditional ball distributor role. But he isn’t just limited to handling the rock. This kid can dish the ball, he can shoot the ball and he can be a team leader. He has everything you would want in a No. 1 guard. While it is hard to replace Ayo, the Illini coaching staff is coming close with Curbelo joining the team.

Backup: N/A

As of right now, I believe Curbelo would be on the court frequently, but Illinois does have a variety of players who could spell minutes for the incoming freshman.

Trent Frazier has been a great ball handler at times. He will bring the rock up the court. I also could see Da’Monte Williams being a leader and controlling the offense in Curbelo’s absence. Illinois has options at the backup role for the No. 1 guard spot.

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