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Illinois Basketball: 3 options for the future center position

By Rees Woodcock

Dec 22, 2015; Tempe, AZ, USA; Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks head coach Brad Underwood coaches against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the first half at Wells-Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2015; Tempe, AZ, USA; Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks head coach Brad Underwood coaches against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the first half at Wells-Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 18, 2017; Iowa City, IA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Leron Black (12) completes a slam dunk as Iowa Hawkeyes forward Nicholas Baer (51) looks on during the first half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2017; Iowa City, IA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Leron Black (12) completes a slam dunk as Iowa Hawkeyes forward Nicholas Baer (51) looks on during the first half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

Status Quo

I believe there are still a few options on the table. One of the options is staying status quo. This means that Leron Black is probably going to be the starting center with his 6-foot-7 height and 6-foot-11 wingspan. Kipper Nichols then would likely start at the traditional power forward position.

Personally, if Illinois kept this option and went into the upcoming season looking for a big recruit for 2018, I wouldn’t mind. I know that sounds weird, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves and snag a less talented big man now and waste a scholarship if he isn’t a fit.

I don’t think the center position is as urgent as many people are making it out to be. I have heard that Illinois is going to be too small next season and they will get trampled. That person also predicted the Illini will finish at the bottom of the Big Ten. Needless to say, they weren’t an Illinois fan.

But, if things stay the same, I think Illinois will be just fine. They have a trio of point guards who are special and will be able to control the ball. I think Black is strong enough and has a big enough wingspan to hold his own. The only worry I have is foul trouble.

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