CHAMPAIGN — Last point guard standing.
Jaylon Tate again holds that distinction for Illinois. The 6-foot-3 junior will be the only option at the point for the Illini today at Ohio State with Khalid Lewis out of isolation but still not available after contracting mumps.
It’s not particularly unfamiliar territory.
Two consecutive season-ending injuries to Tracy Abrams are part of it. So, too, are two straight recruiting classes without a point guard signed by the Illini coaching staff.
And it all means more is placed on Tate’s shoulders. Not that he isn’t used to that at this point.