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Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini roster breakdown for 2017-18

By Rees Woodcock

Feb 18, 2017; Iowa City, IA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Jalen Coleman-Lands (5) shoots the ball as Iowa Hawkeyes forward Cordell Pemsl (35) defends during the second half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Illinois won 70-66. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2017; Iowa City, IA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Jalen Coleman-Lands (5) shoots the ball as Iowa Hawkeyes forward Cordell Pemsl (35) defends during the second half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Illinois won 70-66. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 17, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Michael Finke (43) reaches for a loose ball against the Brigham Young Cougars during the second half at the United Center. Illinois defeats Brigham Young 75-73. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Michael Finke (43) reaches for a loose ball against the Brigham Young Cougars during the second half at the United Center. Illinois defeats Brigham Young 75-73. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5 Center

Starter: Jeremiah Tilmon

The prized recruit in the class of 2017 for the Illini was center Jeremiah Tilmon. There is no doubt in my mind that he will be the starting center heading into next season.

Tilmon is the No. 18 player in the class of 2017 and someone who was needed badly by this team. Illinois wasn’t going to have a true center this upcoming season but Tilmon came in and saved the day.

It has been a while since the Illini have had a caliber of player like Tilmon. It is exciting to get a guy like this into the program and I think he will be great as the starting center.

Backup: Michael Finke

I know most people will have Michael Finke in the No. 4 slot but I think he will end up being the backup center to Tilmon unless there is a graduate transfer coming in.

Finke had an okay season under the previous regime. He averaged 19.8 minutes, 6.9 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. Honestly, this is a solid stat line for a backup forward.

Next: Remembering the careers of the Illini seniors

I was impressed how Finke improved his rebounding this season. It was a point of contention last year and getting him to be able to pull down rebounds is important for the future. He will be needed next season.

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