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Illinois Basketball: 3 big remaining questions for the Illini

By Rees Woodcock

COLLEGE PARK, MD - DECEMBER 07: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts during the first half of the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center on December 7, 2019 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MD - DECEMBER 07: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts during the first half of the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center on December 7, 2019 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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CHAMPAIGN, IL – NOVEMBER 18: Andres Feliz #10 and Kofi Cockburn #21 of the Illinois Fighting Illini celebrate during the game against the Hawaii Warriors at State Farm Center on November 18, 2019 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

3. What to do about the No. 5 spot?

So, I noticed a trend for this article. Everything is pretty much surrounding whether or not Ayo Dosunmu and Kofi Cockburn return. But, really, those are our two best players, so it makes sense. The final burning question is who will play the No. 5 spot?

Kofi was a freshman sensation for the Illinois basketball team last season. I would argue he is the best freshman I have seen for the Illini in my lifetime (since 1990). I don’t remember Deon Thomas because I was like two years old, but Kofi was incredible.

I wouldn’t blame Kofi for staying in the NBA Draft. He could make a solid wage in the G-League for a couple of years and then be called up to the NBA eventually. Illinois has to be prepared for this scenario. If that is the case, then what do we do about the No. 5 spot?

Giorgi Bezhanishvili is the first player to come to mind. He played the No. 5 when Ayo was a freshman and had a pretty good year. Giorgi averaged 12.5 points and 5.2 rebounds per game that season, but the Illini weren’t good.

Last year, Giorgi struggled immensely, specifically with his touch. That worries me. It also worries me that he isn’t the most physical guy in the world, but I have been spoiled by Kofi.

Another option would be Jermaine Hamlin. He wasn’t going to go to the DI level but rather attend a junior college before Illinois offered him a scholarship. Hamlin came into the program and was okay in a few minutes. He helped give Kofi some rest. But you can’t rely on a player at the No. 5 who has only played 4.1 minutes per game for 16 games in his college career.

The final option would then be incoming freshman, Coleman Hawkins. I am not a huge fan of this one because of the inexperience, but Hawkins is 6-foot-10. I like the offensive abilities of Hawkins as well, but he would probably be a defensive liability year one. This would be my third option.

Next. Projected Illini dream team lineup for 2020-21. dark

Honestly, I am worried about the No. 5 spot if Kofi doesn’t return. There will be such a big question mark, and I am not sure it will be answered correctly.

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