Writing Illini
Fansided

Illinois Basketball: Projected lineup if Brandon Weston picks the Illini

By Rees Woodcock

CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 13: Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood talks with players in a timeout during a Big Ten Tournament game between the Northwestern Wildcats and the Illinois Fighting Illini on March 13, 2019, at the United Center in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Patrick Gorski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 13: Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood talks with players in a timeout during a Big Ten Tournament game between the Northwestern Wildcats and the Illinois Fighting Illini on March 13, 2019, at the United Center in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Patrick Gorski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
Illinois basketball
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) /

No. 1 Guard

Starter: Andre Curbelo

The 2021-22 campaign is a little thin right now considering we don’t have a full roster. The class of 2021 isn’t nearly complete. But, to lead things off, I have Andre Curbelo checking in at the starting No. 1 guard spot for the Illini. This seems like a no-brainer to many Illinois fans considering he should see playing time this year behind Ayo Dosunmu.

Curbelo is coming into the Illinois program as a highly-touted guard out of New York but originally hailing from Puerto Rico. The kid is a top 50 recruit and should make a splash in year one for the Orange and Blue. I expected Curbelo to learn a lot from Ayo in his lone year behind the talented future NBA player. His freshman campaign should lead to an even better sophomore year.

Backup: 2021 Recruit

Honestly, I am not completely sure where Illinois will go with their backup at the No. 1 spot. We don’t have a true point guard on the roster and there isn’t a ton out on the recruiting market for 2021.

I think Rafael Pinzon would be the best option as far as snagging a recruit goes. He is listed as a shooting guard but has the handles of a point guard. There is always a chance this spot is left open, essentially, and we have a rotation of someone like Austin Hutcherson bringing the ball up the court. He has good handles too. The backup No. 1 guard spot is a big question mark as of right now, though.

Home/Illinois Basketball