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Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup with Brandin Podziemski

By Rees Woodcock

Feb 7, 2020; Champaign, Illinois, USA; The national anthem is preformed prior to the first half before a game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Maryland Terrapins at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 7, 2020; Champaign, Illinois, USA; The national anthem is preformed prior to the first half before a game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Maryland Terrapins at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /
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CHAMPAIGN, IL – DECEMBER 06: General view of Illinois Fighting Illini basketballs seen before the game against the IUPUI Jaguars at State Farm Center on December 6, 2016 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

No. 2 Guard

Starter: Austin Hutcherson

I think I am going to leave Austin Hutcherson starting at the No. 2 spot for the Illini. He hasn’t played a single second for the program, but I think this kid is going to come in and do some damage from day one. He has a great shot from the outside and tremendous size, which will end up being a mismatch for opponents.

There might be a small learning curve for Hutcherson in the early days next season. Since he hasn’t played a game for the team or with his teammates, give this kid some time to gel. By the time the conference schedule rolls around, Hutcherson will be clicking.

Backup: Brandin Podziemski

And this is where you see the presence of Brandin Podziemski. The man of the hour who just announced his commitment to the Illinois basketball program. I have Podziemski slotted in as the primary backup to the No. 2 guard in Hutcherson. This would be the best option for him, but it doesn’t mean he won’t get a lot of minutes.

Podziemski is an under-the-radar get for Brad Underwood and the Illini. He is rated as a four-star recruit and ranked as the No. 72 player in the class of 2021. But I think this kid is more of a top 50 player. He is going to come into the Illinois basketball program and get some solid minutes. It wouldn’t shock me to see him in a timeshare with Hutcherson. Securing the commitment of Podziemski is huge for the Illinois basketball program.

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