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Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini starting lineup with Andres Feliz

By Rees Woodcock

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 15: A detail view of the March Madness logo that is embossed into the official tournament basketballs is seen during an open public practice during the practice day before the first round of the 2018 NCAA Tournament on March 15, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena, in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 15: A detail view of the March Madness logo that is embossed into the official tournament basketballs is seen during an open public practice during the practice day before the first round of the 2018 NCAA Tournament on March 15, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena, in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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CHAMPAIGN, IL – JANUARY 30: Illinois Fighting Illini Forward Greg Eboigbodin (11) boxes out Rutgers Scarlet Knights Forward Matt Bullock (13) as Rutgers Scarlet Knights Guard Geo Baker (0) shoots a free throw during the Big Ten Conference college basketball game between the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Illinois Fighting Illini on January 30, 2018, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL – JANUARY 30: Illinois Fighting Illini Forward Greg Eboigbodin (11) boxes out Rutgers Scarlet Knights Forward Matt Bullock (13) as Rutgers Scarlet Knights Guard Geo Baker (0) shoots a free throw during the Big Ten Conference college basketball game between the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Illinois Fighting Illini on January 30, 2018, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

No. 5 Forward/Center

Starter: Greg Eboigbodin

Brad Underwood was clearly trying to shape Greg Eboigbodin into a suitable big man last season. He played him a decent amount and wanted him to get his feet wet in the Big Ten. This will help him this season.

Eboigbodin averaged 10.6 minutes of action last season. In that time, he averaged 2.2 points and 2.4 rebounds per game. He also averaged 2.1 fouls in that time as well. His availability is important. He needs to stay on the court and if he can, I think Illinois will be okay at the No. 5 spot.

Backup: Samba Kane

The Illini also secured a few big men in the class of 2018. The most notable big man is Samba Kane. He is a 6-foot-10, 205-pound center who should be a great backup for the Illini.

I think Kane could average around 10-15 minutes per game this season. He is a super athletic big man who can run with everyone. His ability to move is going to be key.

Next: Illini add to depth with Andres Feliz commitment

Backup: Giorgi Bezhanishvili

The other big man the Illini snagged was Giorgi Bezhanishvili. He is a 6-foot-9, 220-pound center-forward who could see a few minutes per game. He will be used sparingly or possibly redshirted. But, he should be used sometime for this team down the road.

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