Where Mihailo Petrovic fits into the Illinois Basketball roster

Mihailo Petrovic finally saw the court for the Illini! In a 90-86 loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide, the 22-year-old point guard logged 12 minutes and contributed 3 points and 5 assists. It was a tough ask for the talented point guard to make his debut on a neutral site court vs a high-level opponent; however, Petrovic was able to make an impact. Mihailo Petrovic was one of the Illini’s most prized additions of the offseason, as his international experience and lead guard skills seemed like a natural fit. However, Petrovic has been dealing with a nagging hamstring injury that has kept him out of the majority of the Illini’s practice.

Petrovic came in with a great deal of hype; however, he joined the team at a strange time. The team is heading into the start of Big Ten play soon, and Petrovic has barely practiced with the team. Mihailo is probably used to having the ball in his hands a lot of the time. However, Kylan Boswell, Andrej Stojakovic, and Keaton Wagler have already shown that they are going to be the main ball handlers for this Illini squad. So where does Mihail Petrovic fit in?

A Spark plug off the bench?

I think Petrovic is best suited as a secondary ball handler off the bench. Right now, Boswell, Stojakovic, and Wagler are cemented into the starting lineup. Wagler did struggle vs Alabama and Texas Tech; however, the freshman guard fits better as a catch-and-shoot option and perimeter defender in the starting lineup. If Petrovic comes off the bench, he will have the chance to playmake and have the ball in his hands. He may not be the starting point guard that we all envisioned in June, but his role could still be significant.

Though freshman guard Keaton Wagler has impressed, he is still a developing true freshman who needs to add strength. At certain points in the season, Keaton will struggle like all freshmen do. When that time comes, Petrovic is the perfect backup plan for the Illini. As the Illini play some easier games before the New Year, look for Petrovic to start ramping up his minutes.

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