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Illinois Basketball: Starting lineup with Matic Vesel for 2017-18

By Rees Woodcock

Dec 21, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; A general view of the court as both teams warmup before the game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and Missouri Tigers at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; A general view of the court as both teams warmup before the game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and Missouri Tigers at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 18, 2017; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes forward Tyler Cook (5) controls the ball as Illinois Fighting Illini forward Leron Black (12) defends during the first half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2017; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes forward Tyler Cook (5) controls the ball as Illinois Fighting Illini forward Leron Black (12) defends during the first half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5 Center

Starter: Leron Black

The starting No. 5 for the Illinois basketball team this season should be Leron Black. Even though Illinois landed some big players, Black, with his 6-foot-7 frame, should still be starting for the Illini. He is a beast of a player and averaged 6.3 rebounds per game last season, which led the team.

Black’s wingspan is 6-foot-11.5 and he should be able to hold his own on the inside. Will he get dominated at times? Sure, but he is the best option right now and is more athletic than a lot of centers. This will help when Underwood wants to run the court.

Backup: Michael Finke

One of the best backup No. 5’s in the Big Ten is Michael Finke. Finke will get his fair share of playing time this season because he is tall and he can shoot about as well as anyone on the team. Watch how Underwood uses Finke throughout the season. He has so much basketball talent and figuring out a way to fit him in will be interesting.

Next: Best Illini 3-on-3 basketball teams

Backup: Matic Vesel

Illinois landed a big man a few days ago by the name of Matic Vesel. Vesel was a big get for Underwood because he adds size in the paint. Illinois needed more depth at the No. 5 and they got that with Vesel.

Look for Vesel to be used sparingly this upcoming season. He will see some minutes, but he is still a little raw. His size – 6-foot-9, 196-pounds – will be great for the Illini down the road. It will be exciting to see this kid in action the next four years.

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