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Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup with transfer Nimari Burnett

By Rees Woodcock

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - DECEMBER 29: Guard Nimari Burnett #25 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders passes the ball during the second half of the college basketball game against the Incarnate Word Cardinals at United Supermarkets Arena on December 29, 2020 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TEXAS - DECEMBER 29: Guard Nimari Burnett #25 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders passes the ball during the second half of the college basketball game against the Incarnate Word Cardinals at United Supermarkets Arena on December 29, 2020 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /
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Illinois basketball
Nov 26, 2020; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andre Curbelo (5) goes up for a shot during the second half against the Chicago State Cougars at the State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /

Heading into next season, the Illinois basketball team is going to need to restock on talent.

One way for the Illini to replenish the loss of some great players is to snag a transfer who is looking for a new home. Someone like Nimari Burnett would be a great option.

Burnett is transferring from Texas Tech and, I believe, will be eligible next season starting the second semester. I could be wrong on that, but I couldn’t find anything solid on when he is exactly eligible. I am guessing the second semester.

With Burnett originally from Chicago, this seems like a perfect fit for the Illini. They still have to convince the former five-star guard to come to Champaign, though. Illinois’ roster would look pretty good with him.

Here is the projected Illini lineup with transfer Nimari Burnett.

No. 1 Guard

Starter: Andre Curbelo (SO)

I think it is pretty evident that when Ayo Dosunmu departs the Illinois basketball program, Andre Curbelo is going to take over the full-time No. 1 guard duties. This kid has shown that he can play at an elite level and will only continue to improve with time.

Through 13 games this season, Curbelo has averaged 9.3 points, 4.6 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. I am not kidding when I say that he has made me say, “WOW” in every game he has played for the Illini. His shot needs a lot more work, and I mean a lot, but he has the tools to help the team as he works on developing his shot. Curbelo is a player who makes his teammates better. He reminds me of Ja Morant. This kid is special.

Backup: 2021 Recruit/Transfer

Illinois will need a backup to Curbelo for next season, though. There isn’t another player who I trust bringing the ball up the court right now. I believe the best option might not be on the team right now.

The idea of bringing in multiple transfers might help this program. There are already quite a few guards out there on the transfer market, and there are sure to be more in the coming months. I think looking for a solid transfer guard who can handle the ball wouldn’t be a bad idea.

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