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Illinois Basketball: 4 big questions for the Illini vs Jackson State

By Rees Woodcock

Mar 2, 2021; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andre Curbelo (5) dribbles defended by Michigan Wolverines guard Mike Smith (12) in the second half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2021; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andre Curbelo (5) dribbles defended by Michigan Wolverines guard Mike Smith (12) in the second half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 21: Jacob Grandison #3 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)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 21: Jacob Grandison #3 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) /

3. Who gets the starting nod?

The starting lineup for the Illinois basketball team will look different mid-season compared to what we will see on Tuesday night.

I think the only locks in the starting lineup for the Orange and Blue the entire season will be Andre Curbelo, Trent Frazier, and Kofi Cockburn. On Tuesday, though, Kofi will miss the game with his suspension. So, the big question is, what will the starting lineup look like?

Again, Curbelo and Frazier are locks for Tuesday night. In my opinion, I see Brad Underwood going with a conservative lineup for the Illini.

Alongside Curbelo and Frazier, I would venture to say Da’Monte Williams, Jacob Grandison, and Coleman Hawkins get the starting nod. This starting lineup is one that doesn’t take many risks because you know what you are getting from every player.

I think by mid-season, there is a chance that someone like Austin Hutcherson or Alfonso Plummer is starting for the Illini. Both of these players are better scorers than someone like Williams. I think they are both great sparkplug options, which I am looking for off the bench too.

I will be keeping an eye on the starting lineup for Tuesday night. Is Underwood going to go more conservative? We will see.

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