No. 4 Guard/Forward
Starter: Da’Monte Williams
The most controversial position I have on the team right now is the No. 4 spot. This is traditionally a player who has some size, but Brad Underwood went small in this role last year and it worked. I think he could go small again, and that is why I have Da’Monte Williams starting here.
Williams was one of the unsung leaders on the Illinois basketball team last season. Don’t let his low numbers fool you, this kid was a defensive specialist and could hit a shot when needed. I think he will improve on his 2.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game as a senior.
Backup: Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk
Illinois fans didn’t get to see much of Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk last season. The freshman only played in nine total games and saw limited action.
I believe Verdonk’s numbers will see a big jump this year. He only averaged 1.2 points and 1.1 rebounds per game during his freshman season. As a primary backup to Williams, I would like to see those numbers triple in 2020.
Backup: Coleman Hawkins
It is hard to project what a true freshman will bring to the table. I believe Coleman Hawkins is a good player, but I could see him being a redshirt for his first season. That is why I have him as the second backup at the No. 4 spot.