Illinois Basketball: 4 observations from the Illini win over Rutgers

4. Starting lineup taking shape

Illinois has dealt with so much uncertainty this season. They started the year off with Kofi Cockburn being suspended. The Illini then had to deal with some injuries and illness.

But we are now emerging from all of that. Kofi is back dominating like his usual self. Trent Frazier is doing his usual thing. The only player Illinois is missing right now is Andre Curbelo.

With that being said, it is looking like Brad Underwood is starting to get comfortable with a certain starting lineup for the Illini. He finally has most of his players back, and he has learned which starting lineup gels best with which players on the court.

Against Rutgers, Illinois went with the starting lineup of Trent Frazier, Da’Monte Williams, Alfonso Plummer, Coleman Hawkins, and Kofi Cockburn. Until Curbelo returns, I believe this will be the starting lineup moving forward.

Frazier was inserted back into the starting lineup after the last game. He was out with injury for a couple of contests but is now fully back and integrated into the starting rotation.

I didn’t think Underwood would do it, but Jacob Grandison is coming off the bench for the Illini. This was a bold move, but I believe it is a move that needed to happen. I think Grandison is a really good player and a starting-caliber talent, but someone had to go to the bench. He is our sparkplug.

When Curbelo does return, I believe he will come off the bench in his first game. I would imagine by game two or three of his return, he will be inserted back into the starting lineup. Williams will likely be the player Curbelo replaces.

Don’t be shocked if the starting lineup by the start of the full Big Ten season is Curbelo, Frazier, Plummer, Hawkins, and Kofi. That is such a dangerous group.