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Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini starting lineup with Kofi Cockburn

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - DECEMBER 29: Illinois Fighting Illini cheerleaders run across the court carrying flags during the college basketball game between the Florida Atlantic University Owls and the Illinois Fighting Illini on December 29, 2018, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - DECEMBER 29: Illinois Fighting Illini cheerleaders run across the court carrying flags during the college basketball game between the Florida Atlantic University Owls and the Illinois Fighting Illini on December 29, 2018, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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CHAMPAIGN , IL – NOVEMBER 13: Giorgi Bezhanishvili #15 of the Illinois Fighting Illini celebrates a shot with Kipper Nichols #2 during a college basketball game against the Georgetown Hoyas at the State Farm Center on November 13, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN , IL – NOVEMBER 13: Giorgi Bezhanishvili #15 of the Illinois Fighting Illini celebrates a shot with Kipper Nichols #2 during a college basketball game against the Georgetown Hoyas at the State Farm Center on November 13, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

No. 4 Forward

Starter: Giorgi Bezhanishvili

The current Illinois No. 5 right now is Giorgi Bezhanishvili. This kid came into the Illinois basketball program as an underrated snag by Brad Underwood. Since joining the team, Giorgi has done some amazing things.

Giorgi is currently averaging 10.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game. He has had some stretches where I question what he is doing but as of late, he has really come on strong. The last five games alone, Giorgi is averaging 11.6 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. His presence has been great for this Illini team.

Heading into next season, I see Giorgi moving to the No. 4 spot because of the new additions to the team. Giorgi has enough athletic ability to keep up at the No. 4. I think his touch and ability around the hoop is going to be a huge asset for the Orange and Blue.

Backup: Anthony Higgs

There is one player from the class of 2018 who Illinois fans haven’t seen play yet. That recruit is Anthony Higgs. He was a talented three-star recruit coming into Underwood’s system.

I would assume, at this point, that Higgs is going to take a redshirt this season. He hasn’t played, so they might as well save him a year of eligibility. I see Higgs coming back next year and being the primary backup for Giorgi at the No. 4 spot.

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