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Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup with Skyy Clark

By Rees Woodcock

Illinois head coach Brad Underwood watches from the baseline during a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball game against Iowa, Monday, Dec. 6, 2021, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.211206 Ill Iowa Mbb 034 Jpg
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood watches from the baseline during a NCAA Big Ten Conference men's basketball game against Iowa, Monday, Dec. 6, 2021, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.211206 Ill Iowa Mbb 034 Jpg /
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Mar 6, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Brandin Podziemski (0) holds the Big 10 Championship trophy as he leads teammates through the crowd on the floor of the State Farm Center after a 74-72 win over Iowa. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 6, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Brandin Podziemski (0) holds the Big 10 Championship trophy as he leads teammates through the crowd on the floor of the State Farm Center after a 74-72 win over Iowa. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3 Guard

Starter: Brandin Podziemksi

I know I am going to get some pushback with this spot, but I truly believe Brandin Podziemski has the game to be a starter on the Illinois basketball team this upcoming season. No one works harder than this kid. He arrives early and stays late. There are numerous videos of him working out or practicing immediately after games. This kid has the drive of a champion.

The way Podziemski dedicates himself to the game will win over Brad Underwood. I see him developing a really good shot and becoming a heart-guy for this team. Look for Podziemski to increase his production greatly with a minutes increase this upcoming season. I see him averaging something like eights points, three assists, and three rebounds. He should be the starter at the No. 3 spot.

Backup: Austin Hutcherson

Austin Hutcherson is going to be a wildcard for the Illinois basketball team next season. He was supposed to do special things for the Illini during the 2021-22 campaign, but injury once again hit the talented playmaker. He only got a chance to play in four games, so we didn’t get to see his full potential.

I think, if healthy, Hutcherson is a big-time role player off the bench. He has the ability to do everything on the basketball court. This is what Underwood loves. If Hutcherson can stay healthy, Illinois will be an extremely deep team.

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