No. 4 Forward
Starter: Giorgi Bezhanishvili
Giorgi Bezhanishvili had a great true freshman campaign last season. He played the No. 5 spot but that isn’t his natural position. I believe he is better suited for the No. 4 spot. That is where I have him starting this upcoming season.
Giorgi finished his freshman campaign as one of the best players we had on the team. He ended up averaging 12.5 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. Those are great numbers for an experienced player let alone someone who just started playing college basketball.
The overseas trip was good for Giorgi too. He was able to get more experience and play competitive basketball. I think, once we get everyone into the program, Giorgi will be able to move to the No. 4 spot and dominate even more.
Backup: Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk
The backup at the No. 4 spot should be Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk. He is a newcomer who could take this role based on lack of depth.
Bosmans-Verdonk wasn’t rated or ranked by the recruiting sites, but he was a great size addition to the team. He is an athletic kid who should see early playing time for the Illini. I don’t think he will get a ton of minutes, but it is nice to have some size at the No. 4 spot.