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Illinois Basketball: 5 burning questions for the Illini against Ottawa

By Rees Woodcock

Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood looks down court during the NCAA men’s basketball game against the Purdue Boilermakers, Sunday, March 5, 2023, at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Ind.Purillini030523 Am6869
Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood looks down court during the NCAA men’s basketball game against the Purdue Boilermakers, Sunday, March 5, 2023, at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Ind.Purillini030523 Am6869 /
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TUCSON, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 19: Forward Quincy Guerrier #13 of the Oregon Ducks celebrates a three-pointer during the game against the Arizona Wildcats at McKale Center on February 19, 2022 in Tucson, Arizona. The Arizona Wildcats won 84-81 against the Oregon Ducks. (Photo by Rebecca Noble/Getty Images) /

3. Where does Quincy Guerrier fit into the lineup

I am not sure if I have ever seen Illinois have this much depth. It is impressive what Brad Underwood and his coaching staff have built for the 2023-24 season.

A part of this build was the transfers that joined the program. Quincy Guerrier was one of those transfers. He came into the program after spending two years with the Oregon Ducks. Guerrier is extremely talented, but I am not sure where he fits into the lineup. I am going to keep an eye on this on Friday night against Ottawa.

I have the sure-fire starters being No. 1 Ty Rodgers, No. 2 Terrence Shannon Jr., No. 4 Coleman Hawkins, and No. 5 Dain Dainja. That leaves the No. 3 spot open.

Guerrier is a 6-foot-8 big man who can also step out and shoot the three-point shot. He is a stretch No. 4, but does he come into the Illinois program and come off the bench? I think that might end up being the case.

It would be kind of shocking to see such a talented veteran transfer to a program and not start. But I just don’t see him playing the No. 3 spot and Illinois rolling with three starters at 6-foot-8 or taller.

My guess is that Guerrier is a main player in the second rotation. Having someone come off the bench with his ability and knowledge of the game is invaluable. I will be watching to see what Guerrier’s role is on Friday night.

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