No. 2 Guard
- Starter: Kylan Boswell
When the lineup is healthy, you will have Kylan Boswell start at the No. 2 guard spot. This is where he will fit in best, as he likes to be more of a scorer rather than a distributor. But what is great about Boswell is that he can do both at a high level.
Boswell is going to take the reins for the first couple of games as the No. 1 guard because of the Mihailo Petrovic injury. Once he is healthy, look for Boswell to start at the No. 2 spot. I fully expect his 12.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists from last season to increase, and Boswell should be more efficient from three-point range. Keep an eye on this kid for an All-Big Ten team.
- Backup: Brandon Lee
Much like Keaton Wagler, Brandon Lee will be able to play wherever Brad Underwood needs him. Lee is more of a No. 2 guard or even a wing, as he is a bouncy kid who can shoot well and get to the rim.
Offensively, I love what I saw out of Lee during the exhibition game. He put his ability on display and finished with 17 points on 5-of-5 shooting from the field. Illinois is going to need a scoring spark off the bench, and that is what excites me about having Lee as the backup at the No. 2 spot.