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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
Dec 20, 2020; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Adam Miller (44) dribbles the ball during a game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in the first half at Rutgers Athletic Center (RAC). Mandatory Credit: Catalina Fragoso-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2 Guard

Starter: Adam Miller (SO)

Illinois’ roster is going to take a bit of a hit after this season. With Trent Frazier departing the program, I will then shift Adam Miller into the starting No. 2 guard spot. Miller is already starting for the Illini and continues to develop his game by the day. He should be ready to take the reins of this team next season.

Miller hasn’t been great as a true freshman, though. The game seemed a little too fast for him to start his career, but it is starting to slow down for him a bit. He currently averages 9.3 points and 1.9 rebounds per game this season. The thing I am eyeing the most is his shooting. Miller’s ability to create his own shot isn’t quite there, but that will come with time. When he sets up and gets the ball in the shooting pocket, that is when Miller is at his best. Give this kid some time, he will be great.

Backup: Jacob Grandison (SR)

I am excited to have a couple of steady hands on the Illinois roster next season. The return of Jacob Grandison will be great for this program. The Illini will have a bunch of star AAU players who need guidance. I think Grandison could help the young players become better leaders.

Grandison is a solid player as well. This season for the Illini, he is averaging 2.4 points and 2.5 rebounds while receiving 8.3 minutes per game. His presence as a backup will be huge for this program, especially next season.

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