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Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup with the addition of Omar Payne

By Rees Woodcock

Dec 23, 2020; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood looks on from the bench during the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Bryce Jordan Center. Illinois defeated Penn State 98-81. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2020; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood looks on from the bench during the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Bryce Jordan Center. Illinois defeated Penn State 98-81. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports /
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Illinois basketball
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 21: Andre Curbelo #5 of the Illinois Fighting Illini drives to the basket against Keith Clemons #5 of the Loyola Chicago Ramblers during the first half in the second round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 21, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

Illinois basketball added a big piece to the program just days ago when Omar Payne decided to transfer in from Florida.

Payne is someone who didn’t see a ton of playing time with the Gators, but he could blossom into a solid big man for the Illini in the near future. Brad Underwood has started to build a reputation for developing centers, and that is why I am curious to see what he can do with Payne.

The addition of Payne also means the Illinois lineup is going to change a little bit for the upcoming season. There have been some losses to the program, but some additions should help curb the talent gap.

Here is the projected Illinois basketball starting lineup with Omar Payne.

No. 1 Guard

Starter: Andre Curbelo

The starting No. 1 guard spot this upcoming season goes to our best player and, arguably, the best point guard in the Big Ten, Andre Curbelo. The freshman campaign Curbelo had was one for the ages, and I expect great things out of him in year two.

For the season, Curbelo averaged 9.1 points, 4.2 assists and 4 rebounds per contest, but his numbers improved greatly down the stretch, as he was one of the major reasons why the Illini were able to secure the No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. Just in the final 10 games alone, Curbelo averaged 12.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4 assists per game. Look for this team to be his next year and for him to shine brighter than ever.

Backup: Scholarship #1

A big worry of mine is who will end up backing up Curbelo this upcoming season? I don’t believe we have anyone on the roster right now suited to be a backup point guard. The best option may be Jacob Grandison at this point. That is why I want one of the two remaining scholarships to be used on a backup No. 1 guard.

Obviously, Tyty Washington is the biggest point guard target for the Illini right now. Illinois finished second in his recruitment the first time around, but he has since reopened his options. Snagging Tyty would really open up the Illini roster greatly. Beyond Washington, just adding some type of guard to the mix would be beneficial. Jaylen Blakes is one of the options, as well as Brandin Podziemski. There needs to be another guard in the mix for the Illini entering next season. Don’t count out Illinois for Indiana transfer Armaan Franklin and Texas Tech transfer Nimari Burnett as well.

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