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Illinois Basketball: Best-case Illini lineup after missing on David Jones

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - FEBRUARY 6: General view of the court as the ESPN College Gameday crew broadcasts before the Illinois Fighting Illini play against the Michigan State Spartans at Assembly Hall on February 6, 2010 in Champaign, Illinois. Illinois defeated Michigan State 78-73. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - FEBRUARY 6: General view of the court as the ESPN College Gameday crew broadcasts before the Illinois Fighting Illini play against the Michigan State Spartans at Assembly Hall on February 6, 2010 in Champaign, Illinois. Illinois defeated Michigan State 78-73. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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CHAMPAIGN, IL – NOVEMBER 18: A. Illinois Fighting Illini logo is seen on the side of a basketball before the start of the during the college basketball game between the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors and the Illinois Fighting Illini on November 18, 2019, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

No. 3 Guard

Starter: Austin Hutcherson (SR)

This is where things would probably change a little bit thanks to David Jones heading elsewhere. I would slot Austin Hutcherson in at the starting No. 3 spot for the Illini. I believe all Illinois fans should be excited about Hutcherson coming into the program. We will get to see his entire repertoire this upcoming season.

After the 6-foot-6, 175-pound wing finished up his sophomore season at DIII Wesleyan University, Brad Underwood came knocking and wanting Hutcherson to play for the Illini. It isn’t a surprise Underwood wanted this kid either. With great court-vision and an even better shot, Hutcherson finished his sophomore campaign averaging 20 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. I see him playing multiple positions for Illinois as they look to return to the postseason.

Backup: Jacob Grandison (SR)

Illinois’ No. 3 spot should be pretty strong when the 2021-22 campaign rolls around. With Austin Hutcherson starting, the Illini will be in good hands. But having Jacob Grandison as the primary backup to Hutcherson will help the Orange and Blue improve even more.

Grandison is coming into the Illinois basketball program as a 6-foot-6, 200-pound wing player. His 13.9 points, 5 rebounds and 2.9 assists during his sophomore year with Holy Cross College were impressive numbers. He was able to improve his three-point shooting from 31.7-percent up to 36.5-percent while shooting nearly two more three-pointers per game last season. Grandison’s bounce and ability to shoot from deep reminds me a lot of former Illini, Aaron Jordan. I am excited to see this kid play.

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