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Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini starting lineup for the 2020-2021 season

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - JANUARY 10: Illinois Fighting Illini Head Coach Brad Underwood and Illinois Fighting Illini guard Alan Griffin (0) look on during the Big Ten Conference college basketball game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Illinois Fighting Illini on January 10, 2019, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - JANUARY 10: Illinois Fighting Illini Head Coach Brad Underwood and Illinois Fighting Illini guard Alan Griffin (0) look on during the Big Ten Conference college basketball game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Illinois Fighting Illini on January 10, 2019, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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SPRINGFIELD, MA – JANUARY 20: Christ the King Royals center Kofi Cockburn (21) during the first half of the high school basketball game between the Oak Hill Academy Warriors and IMG Academy Ascenders on January 20, 2019 at Blake Arena in Springfield, MA (Photo by John Jones/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

No. 5 Forward/Center

Starter – Kofi Cockburn

Kofi Cockburn was the prized recruit the Illinois coaching staff landed for the class of 2019. He is a solid big man who should be able to correct the Illini rebounding woes from the past half-decade. With the addition of Cockburn, the No. 5 spot is finally stabilized.

I have Cockburn as the starting No. 5 for the Illini in 2020-21. My only worry would be if he lasts until that season or if he is going to be a one-and-done. Since the Illini coaching staff has done wonders with big men, if Cockburn has a great season he could go to the NBA. But, if he doesn’t, he should be a force in the Big Ten as the Illini starting No. 5.

Backup – Samba Kane

If Cockburn does go to the NBA after one season, I am comfortable with what we have behind him. I think Samba Kane could be a really good player for the Illini. If Cockburn stays for a second season, I have Kane as the backup No. 5.

Kane didn’t play much his freshman season but showed that he can be a defensive specialist. He was able to block shots at one of the highest rates on the team. I am excited to see what he can do on the floor this upcoming season. It is a big one for his development and the future of the Illini program.

Next. 5 wide receivers the Illini can land for 2020. dark

Backup – Scholarship Open (5)

I believe Cockburn is, at best, a two-and-done player. That means Illinois is going to need another backup big an in the next couple of classes. I think the final scholarship should be used to find another No. 5 for the program. This player should be top 200. I want to see someone who has skills but also can be developed nicely by the coaching staff.

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