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Illinois Basketball: 3 reasons Nimari Burnett should pick the Illini

By Rees Woodcock

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - DECEMBER 17: Guard Nimari Burnett #25 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders reacts after a made shot by guard Terrence Shannon Jr. #1 during the second half of the college basketball game against the Kansas Jayhawks at United Supermarkets Arena on December 17, 2020 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TEXAS - DECEMBER 17: Guard Nimari Burnett #25 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders reacts after a made shot by guard Terrence Shannon Jr. #1 during the second half of the college basketball game against the Kansas Jayhawks at United Supermarkets Arena on December 17, 2020 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /
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Illinois basketball
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 02: Brad Underwood the head coach of the Illinois Fighting Illini gives instructions to his team against the Baylor Bears during the Jimmy V Classic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 02, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

2. Starting job day one

As previously mentioned, Ayo Dosunmu is likely to take his talents to the next level after the season. This leaves a massive hole in the Illini lineup.

There is a chance, due to the NCAA COVID rules, that Da’Monte Williams and Trent Frazier return. Even if they do come back to Illinois for one last ride, there is room for Nimari Burnett to start for this program.

Let’s do a hypothetical and say Ayo departs. In addition to that, Williams and Frazier return. That would likely put Andre Curbelo at the No. 1 spot. He is solidifying his role on the team next season with the way he is playing this year.

I see Trent Frazier playing the No. 2 spot. His experience will help the team greatly next season. I would then slot Burnett at the No. 3 spot. This would be the best option for him as he could play more on the wing.

Adam Miller would then play the No. 4 spot. I know it sounds crazy to have four starting guards, but Brad Underwood has been doing that for the past couple of years, and it wouldn’t shock me to see it again next season.

Giorgi Bezhanishvili would round out the starting five at the No. 5 spot. His leadership as a senior is going to help this team win some games.

So, while Illinois could have a couple of guards return due to COVID-19 rules, there would still be plenty of room for Burnett to come in and start immediately. You don’t leave a five-star guard on the bench.

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