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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: Kofi Cockburn #21 of the Illinois Fighting Illini breaks up a scuffle between Da’Monte Williams #20 of the Illinois Fighting Illini and Connor McCaffery #30 of the Iowa Hawkeyes during the game at State Farm Center on March 8, 2020 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL – MARCH 08: Kofi Cockburn #21 of the Illinois Fighting Illini breaks up a scuffle between Da’Monte Williams #20 of the Illinois Fighting Illini and Connor McCaffery #30 of the Iowa Hawkeyes during the game at State Farm Center on March 8, 2020 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

No. 5 Center

Starter: Kofi Cockburn

There is the possibility of two huge returnees for the Illinois basketball team this year. I have already mentioned Ayo Dosunmu and his return to the guard rotation. The other big-time returnee would be Kofi Cockburn. Illinois has the chance to get back, arguably, the greatest center in program history.

Obviously, Kofi would come back for his sophomore season and start at the No. 5 spot. He is a dominating center who has great touch around the rim and can hustle up and down the court. If he comes back, it gives Illinois a great inside presence to complement an insane backcourt. I would imagine the Illini would be a top 10 team in the nation if we had Ayo and Kofi this upcoming season.

Backup: Mac Etienne

Some people might be shocked here, but I have Mac Etienne as the primary backup at the No. 5 spot for the Illini. Etienne has yet to commit to a program for the class of 2021, but that could be coming relatively soon considering he is still a reclassify possibility.

I love Etienne’s game. This kid hustles and is able to pull down rebounds with the best of the best. I think there would be a learning curve with him, but he isn’t going to be asked to play a ton of minutes every game. Being behind Kofi in year one would be great for this kid.

Backup: Jermaine Hamlin

The final player on the roster would then be Jermaine Hamlin. I have Hamlin as the second backup at the No.5 spot. His presence in this role would help give the program depth.

Next. 5 players to watch from the updated 2021 ESPN 100. dark

Last season, as a true freshman, Hamlin play some minutes. He did well for what he was asked to do too. I don’t see his role really increasing too much, though. It is nice to have someone of his size at the No. 5.

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