No. 3 Wing
- Starter: Andrej Stojakovic
While there is bad news on the Mihailo Petrovic health front, Illinois could have their prized transfer back in the mix to start the season on Monday. Andrej Stojakovic is a game-time decision for the game, but honestly, we probably won’t need him to suit up just yet.
When healthy, I have Stojakovic starting at the No. 3 spot. He is a nice big guard at 6-foot-7 who can body people, get to the rim, and shoot from outside. People compare him to his dad, but Stojakovic can do a little bit of everything on the court. He is a multi-level scorer, and I can’t wait to see him in the lineup.
- Backup: Ben Humrichous
Not a lot of teams have the luxury of having a backup that has as much experience as Ben Humrichous. He was a bit disappointing last season, but Humrichous clearly went to work in the offseason and looked good in the exhibition game.
I have Humrichous as the first player off the bench. He should be a backup at the No. 3 spot on the wing. It looks like Humrichous got bigger this offseason, too. That will enable him to play more back-to-the-basket, and he showed that honed skillset against Illinois State.
- Backup: Ty Rodgers
Illinois fans didn’t get to see Ty Rodgers last season because he took a redshirt. He then got injured months ago, and since then, he has been rehabbing that injury.
No one is sure when Rodgers will be able to take the court again, but my guess is that it is around the turn of the new year. Rodgers has the ability to play the No. 1 through No. 4 spots on the court, but for now, I have him as a backup at the No. 3 spot and a rotational piece.