Illinois Basketball: Predicting starting lineup/depth chart for 2021-22 season

Starter: Trent Frazier

Backups: Alfonso Plummer, Luke Goode/Brandin Podziemski

While Frazier will play some minutes as the lead guard, his primary role will be as the team’s starting shooting guard. Frazier has always been a reliable scorer, but less was asked of him offensively when Dosunmu was on the team. He is a three-point sniper off the catch, especially in his corner spot, and should flourish as a scorer with Curbelo setting him up for shots. In addition to what he can do offensively, Frazier has shown he is one of the best on-ball defenders in the country. I expect him to have his best season as an Illini in his expanded role this year.

Transferring in from Utah, Alfonso Plummer appears ready to step into the sixth man role. The 6’1” senior was highly coveted in the transfer portal for his shooting ability and experience. Plummer is a proven player at the collegiate level and should have no problem getting 20+ minutes per game. He projects as instant offense off the bench and could easily be one of the five players on the court at the end of games.

With as deep of a team as the Illini have, it’s hard to predict the immediate roles of the three incoming freshmen. While all three figure to factor into the program’s long-term plans, it will be hard for them to get consistent minutes this season. I expect Underwood to get Luke Goode and Brandin Podziemski some non-conference minutes at the 2-spot early in the season and see how they do.

It is very possible that one of the two cracks the rotation if he shows he can provide shooting without being a defensive liability. An emergence as a solid contributor from at least one of the two would do wonders to helping the coaching staff sleep at night.