My thoughts ...long
Lot of over-reaction in this thread and I get that losing is frustrating but let's get some perspective...
This is a team that plays hard and looks to be very well coached. While I am frustrated with losses, especially those pulled from the jaws of victory, I can easily see the potential of this roster even for this year but especially for the future.
For this year, the frosh all show much potential and are gaining valuable meaningful minutes. Black is turning into a fringe All-Big 10 performer as Underwood predicted. Even last night's game against a talented team on the road the Illini had a good chance to win as has been the case in every game this season. Clearly Frazier earns the start but I am not giving up on Lucas who can certainly be a solid contributor and, if he is our backup PG, I will take that over the Groce years. The same for Kipper. Kipper is a X factor that if the light comes on could become an Illini season changer.
For the future, the entire lineup with that valuable experience and maturity is back except for Alstork and we gain the 1st 5-star player in some time. If the Illini can add any decent wing an/or big to next season's roster they could have a huge year-to-year improvement.
As for the lineup engineering in this thread...
1)Finke is almost certain to start and one game from Ebo does not nor should not change that. Yes, Finke is flawed and frustrating but it he is the best center we have right now as his +/- has shown.
2)Yes, Frazier needs to start but Mark Smith and Lucas can provide valuable backup minutes in that role.
3)I get that Alstork has been disappointing on offense. However, he does so many little things (passing/defense) that he needs to be out there. He just needs his offensive confidence back and it would go a long way toward improving this season's team.
4)Should Damonte start? Probably. I am not sure this one is as easy or necessary as Frazier. Keep in mind Damonte has struggled to score most of the season. I love him and saw in a bunch in HS so his all-around game is no surprise to me.
So, based on all this I see the starting lineup like this:
1)Frazier
2)Williams or Smith
3)Alstork
4)Black
5)Finke