Big Ten Basketball: Key player to watch on each team for 2020-21 season

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 12: Big Ten logo on the floor before the Big Ten Men's Basketball Final against the Wisconsin Badgers and Michigan Wolverines at the Verizon Center on March 12, 2017 in Washington, DC. The Wolverines won 71-56. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /

2 of 15

Trent Frazier Big Ten Basketball (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Illinois – SR Trent Frazier

If Illinois wants to win the Big Ten, they need Trent Frazier to be their third guy.

They’ll get obvious production from star guard Ayo Dosunmu, as well as the reigning Big Ten Freshman of the Year Kofi Cockburn, but Frazier’s improvement is crucial for them to take the next step to contend for a Big Ten title.

Frazier’s production dropped off last season from his sophomore year to his junior year, going from almost 14 points per game to just 9.1, as well as his efficiency falling off, dropping from 41% from the field to just 33%, and only shot 31% from 3-point range, compared to when he shot 41% from deep his sophomore season. He did, however, improve his free throw shooting, increasing his percentages from 76% to 85%.

Now in his senior year, Frazier will need to improve on last year’s production. His defense was a big part of why the Illini won so many games, so he’ll just need to get more consistent scoring. He is a talented offensive player, he has good mechanics on his jump shot and has a nice handle with the ability to create open looks for himself. While Dosunmu is going to be hounded, Frazier will have to alleviate some of that pressure.

Trent Frazier’s sendoff season is one that needs to be good for Illinois to have a real shot at winning the Big Ten.

Home/Big Ten