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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
CHAMPAIGN , IL – NOVEMBER 13: The Illinois Fighting Illini logo on a pair of shorts during a college basketball game against the Georgetown Hoyas at the State Farm Center on November 13, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /

No. 4 Forward/Guard

Starter: Austin Hutcherson (R-SR)

We are 13 games into the current college basketball season, and we have yet to see Austin Hutcherson suit up for the Orange and Blue. While this is frustrating, his time will come and he will be great. I believe Illinois will get a shot in the arm when Hutcherson gets healthy. That is why I am putting him as the starting No. 4 for the Illini next season.

Hutcherson’s numbers were impressive with Wesleyan University. He put up 20 points per game while hitting 44.4-percent of his shots and 39.2-percent of his three-pointers. Those numbers would be amazing for the Illini. With his 6-foot-6 size, I see Hutcherson being, essentially, the fourth guard in the starting rotation. His shooting and leadership will be invaluable to this team.

Backup: Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk (R-SO)

Another player who is starting to get healthy and will be great for the Illini is Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk. The athletic 6-foot-9 big man has played sparingly over the last couple of seasons but should provide side in the paint for the Illini.

In the last game against Maryland, Verdonk got a chance to play. This was his first game this season, and despite only getting one minute of action, it is a step in the right direction. He is an important piece to the Illinois basketball puzzle. I have Verdonk coming back next season and being the backup at the No. 4 spot for the Illini.

Backup: 2021 Recruit/Transfer

Illinois would have two scholarships remaining to fill if Nimari Burnett came to Champaign. I want one for the No. 1 guard spot. The other should go to the No. 4 spot. Getting another athletic player who can stretch the floor would be nice. Again, this player could potentially come in the form of a transfer. There are plenty of options out there and more are sure to come on the market soon.

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