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Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup with Kofi Cockburn returning

By Rees Woodcock

Illinois Fighting Illini center Kofi Cockburn (21) is announced before the Big Ten Tournament title game against the Ohio State Buckeyes on Sunday, March 14, 2021, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.Photos Big Ten Championship Basketball Ohio State Illinois
Illinois Fighting Illini center Kofi Cockburn (21) is announced before the Big Ten Tournament title game against the Ohio State Buckeyes on Sunday, March 14, 2021, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.Photos Big Ten Championship Basketball Ohio State Illinois /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 12: Trent Frazier #1 of the Illinois Fighting Illini attempts a layup in the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the first half of the Big Ten men’s basketball tournament quarterfinals at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 12, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 12: Trent Frazier #1 of the Illinois Fighting Illini attempts a layup in the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the first half of the Big Ten men’s basketball tournament quarterfinals at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 12, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

No. 2 Guard

Starter: Trent Frazier

Speaking of Trent Frazier, the man starting at the No. 2 guard spot alongside Andre Curbelo should be the returning super senior. Frazier is back for one last ride as he took advantage of his extra year due to COVID. His presence in the Illinois lineup is going to be invaluable as the team tries to get back to the NCAA tournament.

Frazier should man the No. 2 guard spot without a question. He is a leader on this team and someone who can put up a lot of points. But the most underrated thing about his game is the development of his defensive abilities. Frazier has formed into one of the best defenders in the Big Ten and should be on the watch list for the NCAA defensive player of the year.

Backup: Austin Hutcherson

Illinois has a few players who can play multiple roles on the court, and Austin Hutcherson fits that bill. He is a unique player because of his great size at 6-foot-6 and his tremendous shooting ability. Illini fans have yet to see him on the court, but he should be a great option as the backup at the No. 2 guard spot.

Backup: Brandin Podziemski

If this was a regular year and players didn’t come back for their COVID season, Brandin Podziemski would be in line for a lot of playing time and, potentially, a starting job. But, as a freshman, he should see somewhere around 10 minutes per game. I want him to get the speed of the game down and learn the system. Next season is when I think he will get his chance to shine. As of now, he is a backup at the No. 2 spot.

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