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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) /
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PISCATAWAY, NJ – FEBRUARY 15: The logo of the Illinois Fighting Illini on the uniform shorts during in a college basketball game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Rutgers Athletic Center on February 15, 2020 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

No. 3 Guard

Starter: Jacob Grandison

One of the more underrated things Illinois will have going for them when 2021-22 rolls around is the experience on the team. We won’t have to worry about freshmen leading the way. The core of the team is going to be really experienced led by Jacob Grandison.

Grandison transferred into the Illinois program before last season and had to sit the year out due to NCAA transfer rules. But he is eligible as a junior this year. That means he will be a senior next season when the Illini will need him the most. Grandison is bringing in a lot of talent too. With Holy Cross, he averaged 13.9 points, 5 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game. Look for this kid to be an important piece for the Orange and Blue moving forward.

Backup: Brandon Weston

And this is the stage of the article where we get to the man of the hour. Brandon Weston is currently out on the recruiting market for 2021. He would be a great addition to the Illinois program because we could slot him in the backup No. 3 guard spot on the team. This would be the perfect fit for the talented wing.

Weston comes from Morgan Park, like Adam Miller and Ayo Dosunmu. He is a talented player who ranks inside the top 65 in his class and could be an instant impact player from day one. I see Weston coming in and being in a timeshare with Grandison. He would be eased into things, of course, but Weston should be able to put up decent numbers as a freshman. Illinois is currently in his top six, but I believe we will end up landing the kid.

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