Writing Illini
Fansided

Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup if Kofi Cockburn returns

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 14: Kofi Cockburn #21 of the Illinois Fighting Illini on the free throw line in the game against the Old Dominion Monarchs at State Farm Center on December 14, 2019 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 14: Kofi Cockburn #21 of the Illinois Fighting Illini on the free throw line in the game against the Old Dominion Monarchs at State Farm Center on December 14, 2019 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Feb 16, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats forward Miller Kopp (10) controls the ball against Illinois Fighting Illini guard Trent Frazier (1) during the second half at the State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 16, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats forward Miller Kopp (10) controls the ball against Illinois Fighting Illini guard Trent Frazier (1) during the second half at the State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2 Guard

Starter: Trent Frazier

Illinois is going to have one of the most experienced and deepest teams in college basketball for the 2021-22 campaign. Starting alongside Andre Curbelo, I am going to have Trent Frazier at the No. 2 guard spot. The announcement that Frazier was coming back for one more season was huge for the Illini. His presence on the basketball court is going to help this team win a lot of games this year.

Frazier finished the 2020-21 campaign averaging 10.2 points, 2.7 assists and 2.7 rebounds per contest. He put up those scoring numbers while being the third scoring option on the team. I believe he is going to be, arguably, the No. 1 scoring option this season. Look for Frazier to have a big year.

Backup: Austin Hutcherson

I have Austin Hutcherson as the main backup at the No. 2 guard spot. I believe Hutcherson can play various positions on the court, so he isn’t pigeonholed into just the No. 2 guard spot. Hutcherson can handle the ball well, but his shooting is what really stands out about his game. He is an ace three-point shooter, so look for him to light up the scoreboard as one of the best players coming off the bench for the Illini.

Backup: Brandin Podziemski

The development of Brandin Podziemski is going to be important for the Illinois basketball program down the road. While Podziemski isn’t going to get a ton of playing time in year one, he will likely be used as a sparkplug for the offense. This kid is the Wisconsin Mr. Basketball, so he knows how to play. I expect Podziemski to have a good first year and then really blossom in year two.

Home/Illinois Basketball