Illinois Basketball: Illini depth chart with Samba Kane and Tevian Jones

5 of 6

CHAMPAIGN, IL – FEBRUARY 22: Illinois Fighting Illini forward Leron Black (12) boxes out under the basket during the Big Ten Conference college basketball game between the Purdue Boilermakers and the Illinois Fighting Illini on February 22, 2018, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

No. 4 Forward

Starter: Leron Black

It has been a very long time since I have seen someone in the Orange and Blue who I thought could make it in the NBA. But, after what Leron Black did last season, I think he has a legit shot at playing professional basketball here in the United States.

Black had one of the best seasons I have seen in the last decade from an Illinois basketball player. He finished the year averaging 15.3 points and 5.2 rebounds per game during his junior campaign. There were only five games where he didn’t score double-digit points and most of the time those games were because of foul trouble.

I hope Black returns to the Illini. He graduated and is eligible to transfer and play immediately wherever he wants to go. But, I really think Illinois has a chance to do something special next season, and Black could benefit from the teams play. He is a key piece in next year’s success. There is no doubt he would start again at the No. 4 spot for the Illini.

Backup: Michael Finke

Michael Finke is another player who I have heard could transfer this season. He graduated as well and would be eligible immediately. I think there is a place for him on the roster, though.

Finke was given a hard time by many fans including myself last year. But, honestly, that was unfair of us to criticize him in a role he isn’t comfortable with. He isn’t a No. 5. He can’t bang around with the Big Ten big men. But, he is a No. 4 who can spread a team out. He is good at shooting the ball. I hope he stays so he can be the primary backup to Black next season.

Home/Illinois Basketball