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Illinois Basketball: Illini lineup with Ayo Dosunmu, Kofi Cockburn returning

By Rees Woodcock

ANN ARBOR, MI - JANUARY 25: Ayo Dosunmu #11 of the Illinois Fighting Illini celebrates after making the game winning basket again Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Center on January 25, 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Illinois defeated Michigan 64-62. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - JANUARY 25: Ayo Dosunmu #11 of the Illinois Fighting Illini celebrates after making the game winning basket again Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Center on January 25, 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Illinois defeated Michigan 64-62. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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CHAMPAIGN, IL – MARCH 08: Trent Frazier #1 of the Illinois Fighting Illini dribbles the ball during the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at State Farm Center on March 8, 2020 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL – MARCH 08: Trent Frazier #1 of the Illinois Fighting Illini dribbles the ball during the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at State Farm Center on March 8, 2020 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

No. 2 Guard

Starter: Trent Frazier

Ayo Dosunmu’s decision does not affect the projected No. 2 spot. I still have Trent Frazier coming back for his senior year and starting for the Orange and Blue. He has been a staple in this Illinois lineup for years now and should be poised to have his best year yet.

I do not think Frazier gets enough credit for what he did last season. This kid averaged 12.5 and 13.7 points during his freshman and sophomore years, respectively. But, as a junior, Frazier stepped back and let Ayo and Kofi Cockburn control the ball more. He checked his ego at the door and did what was best for the team. This is something that does not get enough credit. Frazier finished the year averaging 9.1 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. Look for similar numbers in 2020-21.

Backup: Jacob Grandison

I mentioned this at the No. 1 guard spot and the same applies here. The depth on the Illinois roster is insanely good. Jacob Grandison is a part of that great depth. Brad Underwood was able to land two transfers last year and they are both not eligible.

I am going to slide Grandison into the backup No. 2 spot behind Frazier. He averaged 13.9 points, 5 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game with Holy Cross as a sophomore. I do not expect those numbers this year, though. I am looked for him to get 7-12 minutes per game and average 4 points and 2 rebounds. He will not need to be a main player. We just Grandison to keep the same level of play on the court, and I think he can do that.

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