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Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup if Charles Bediako was added

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - JANUARY 11: A basketball rolls off the court during a timeout in the Big Ten Conference game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Illinois Fighting Illini on January 11, 2017, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - JANUARY 11: A basketball rolls off the court during a timeout in the Big Ten Conference game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Illinois Fighting Illini on January 11, 2017, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – MARCH 14: Illinois Fighting Illini forward Giorgi Bezhanishvili (15) slam dunks during a Big Ten Tournament game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Iowa Hawkeyes on March 14, 2019, at the United Center in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Patrick Gorski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

No. 4 Guard/Forward

Starter: Giorgi Bezhanishvili

A familiar face would then done the No. 4 spot for the Orange and Blue. I believe, with the addition of Charles Bediako, Giorgi Bezhanishvili could move back over to the No. 4 spot and start for the Illini. This would be the best option for the high-energy big man.

Giorgi has been a fan-favorite since joining the program. I can’t believe I am talking about him being senior in 2021. This upcoming season is really going to be a make or break year for Giorgi, though. He struggled most of his sophomore season, so having a rebound junior year is key.

Backup: Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk

One of the wildcards for the Illini this upcoming season is going to be Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk (BBV). He didn’t get a chance to play much as a true freshman, so the Illini were able to redshirt him. This was a good move for the program.

BBV has all the athletic ability in the world. He is built well and should be able to handle opposing teams in the paint. I also believe his shooting is underrated. Don’t be surprised to see BBV take minutes away from Giorgi this upcoming season. By 2021, BBV should be ready to steal even more minutes and almost be in a timeshare at the No. 4 spot.

Backup: 2021 Target

I believe the No. 4 spot is also a big chance for the Illini to pick up another talented recruit for 2021. We need more depth at this position, especially with Giorgi graduating after the season.

There is one big option that comes to mind at the No. 4 spot. I think Langston Love would be a perfect option in this role. He is a top 25 player in the class of 2021 and is someone who has the Illini on his top list. This would be a great fit for both parties.

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