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Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini dream team lineup for 2020-21

By Rees Woodcock

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - JANUARY 21: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini is seen during the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Mackey Arena on January 21, 2020 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - JANUARY 21: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini is seen during the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Mackey Arena on January 21, 2020 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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CHAMPAIGN, IL – MARCH 08: Connor McCaffery #30 of the Iowa Hawkeyes and Da’Monte Williams #20 of the Illinois Fighting Illini face off during the game at State Farm Center on March 8, 2020 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL – MARCH 08: Connor McCaffery #30 of the Iowa Hawkeyes and Da’Monte Williams #20 of the Illinois Fighting Illini face off during the game at State Farm Center on March 8, 2020 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

No. 4 Guard/Forward

Starter: Da’Monte Williams

What, are you shocked I have four guards starting for the Illini? Toward the end of last season, Illinois went with a four-guard rotation and it was working. So, I have Da’Monte Williams stepping in as the starting No. 4 for the Orange and Blue.

Williams is going to be a senior this year. I can’t believe he is already in his final season. His career has been a roller coaster, though. But, last season, he emerged as a dominant defensive presence and someone who could hit a three-pointer if he set up. I think he is going to bring a nasty defensive presence to this Illini team.

Backup: Giorgi Bezhanishvili

I am excited to have Giorgi Bezhanishvili back for his junior year. Giorgi has been a fun player to watch for the Illini. While he had down sophomore campaign, he still brings an energy and life to the game that is rarely seen.

I have Giorgi as the primary backup at the No. 4 spot. I think he will get playing time and that will only increase if he can have some touch around the rim. But, for now, Giorgi probably sees 10-14 minutes per game.

Backup: Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk

Illinois has a wild card waiting in the wings. Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk saw a few minutes last season as a freshman but decided to take a redshirt. This was a smart move. Now the Illini get the big redshirt freshman with a better grip on the game.

I think Bosmans-Verdonk receives some minutes this upcoming season. He is probably still pretty raw, but there is no doubt this kid will only continue to see a minutes increase as his career goes on. I have him pegged as the second backup at the No. 4 spot this year.

Backup: Coleman Hawkins

Illinois had a great class of 2020 come into the program. Coleman Hawkins is one of those players. A huge benefit to players returning this season is the fact Hawkins wouldn’t have to play right away.

I have Hawkins as a third backup at the No. 4 spot. He would, most likely, take a redshirt after playing the first few games of the season. This would save a year of eligibility. I think this would be the smartest move.

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