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Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup with Adam Miller and DJ Steward

By Rees Woodcock

MADISON, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 18: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini looks on in the first half against the Wisconsin Badgers at the Kohl Center on February 18, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MADISON, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 18: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini looks on in the first half against the Wisconsin Badgers at the Kohl Center on February 18, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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MIDDLE VILLAGE, NEW YORK – APRIL 05: Kofi Cockburn #21 of Oak Hill Academy looks on against La Lumiere in the semifinal of the GEICO High School National Tournament at Christ the King High School on April 05, 2019 in Middle Village, New York. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
MIDDLE VILLAGE, NEW YORK – APRIL 05: Kofi Cockburn #21 of Oak Hill Academy looks on against La Lumiere in the semifinal of the GEICO High School National Tournament at Christ the King High School on April 05, 2019 in Middle Village, New York. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

No. 5 Center

Starter – Kofi Cockburn

The prized recruit for the Illinois basketball team from the class of 2019 was Kofi Cockburn. He was a massive get, figuratively and literally, for this program. I have Cockburn pegged as the starting No. 5 for the Illini as long as he is in Champaign.

Cockburn is a 6-foot-10, 290-pound center from Oak Hill Academy in Mouth Of Wilson, Virginia. He is rated as a four-star recruit who is the No. 44 player in the class of 2019 and the No. 11 center in the nation. He was also the No. 2 player in the state of Virginia. Needless to say, Cockburn should be a huge piece to the Illini getting back to the postseason.

Backup – Samba Kane

This upcoming season and when the 2020-21 campaign rolls around, I am hoping to see more of Samba Kane. I enjoyed watching this big man play the game when he saw time on the court.

Kane finished his freshman season averaging 1.4 points and 0.6 blocks per game in just 4.8 minutes of action. If he starts seeing more time, the Illini should have a better defense in the future.

Backup – Bernard Kouma

Bernard Kouma was another snag for the Illini in the class of 2019. Kouma is a 6-foot-10, 240-pound big man who was rated as a three-star recruit and ranked as the No. 341 player in the class of 2019.

I am not expecting a lot out of Kouma early on in his career. I have him as the third backup on the team for now. He could work his way up but I wouldn’t be shocked if he receives a redshirt his freshman season.

Next. Luke Goode breaks down thoughts on Illinois basketball and his game. dark

Backup – Recruiting Need

Even though we still have solid depth right now, I think the Illini need another backup No. 5. I believe Cockburn is gone after the 2020-21 campaign, at best. He might even go after his freshman season. Behind him are a bunch of unproven players.

An option for the second scholarship for 2020 would be Ryan Kalkbrenner. He is a 6-foot-11, 210-pound center from Trinity Catholic High School in St. Louis, Missouri. He is rated as a four-star recruit who is the No. 73 player in the class of 2020 and the No. 11 center in the nation. I would love to have him join the Illini, and I think we are up there for his commitment.

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