Writing Illini
Fansided

Illinois Basketball: Starting lineup with the class of 2018

By Rees Woodcock

Mar 4, 2017; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys head coach Brad Underwood during the game against the Kansas Jayhawks during the first half at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys head coach Brad Underwood during the game against the Kansas Jayhawks during the first half at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
Mar 23, 2017; New York, NY, USA; A view as the ball goes in the basket during practice the day before the East Regional semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2017; New York, NY, USA; A view as the ball goes in the basket during practice the day before the East Regional semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5 Center

Starter: Matic Vesel

The center position is one that still has a huge question mark next to it. Looking at 2018, Matic Vesel could easily be the starting No. 5 that year. While he hasn’t suited up for the Illinois basketball team yet, Vesel does have plenty of experience overseas and should be a nice big body to fill the paint.

Vesel will hopefully, develop enough to become a solid big man by 2018. He doesn’t have a ton of competition behind him, but Michael Finke could put pressure on him if he doesn’t develop quick enough.

Backup: Michael Finke

The backup to Vesel is going to be Michael Finke. He would be a senior in 2018 and a player who will see a good deal of minutes even as a backup. Finke’s role on this team all depends on how he develops in 2017. If he gets bigger and proves he can play defense, then look for him to potentially be the starter at the No. 5 in 2018.

Next: Leron Black’s 5 best games from 2016-17

Backup: Greg Eboigbodin

Another backup from the class of 2017 for the Illini is Greg Eboigbodin. He is a two-star recruit who is a nice stash away player for the Illinois basketball team.

Eboigbodin is extremely raw and expect him to see some minutes or potentially be redshirted in year one with the Illini. His redshirt freshman season would then be 2018 and he can sit and see how the game is played. His development would hopefully, continue in 2018 and then he would be unleashed the following year. He needs to develop but his future is extremely bright.

Home/Illinois Basketball