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Illinois Basketball: Illini lineup with Ayo Dosunmu, Kofi Cockburn returning

By Rees Woodcock

ANN ARBOR, MI - JANUARY 25: Ayo Dosunmu #11 of the Illinois Fighting Illini celebrates after making the game winning basket again Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Center on January 25, 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Illinois defeated Michigan 64-62. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - JANUARY 25: Ayo Dosunmu #11 of the Illinois Fighting Illini celebrates after making the game winning basket again Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Center on January 25, 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Illinois defeated Michigan 64-62. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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EVANSTON, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 27: Ayo Dosunmu #11 of the Illinois Fighting Illini shoots in the first half against the Northwestern Wildcats at Welsh-Ryan Arena on February 27, 2020 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
EVANSTON, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 27: Ayo Dosunmu #11 of the Illinois Fighting Illini shoots in the first half against the Northwestern Wildcats at Welsh-Ryan Arena on February 27, 2020 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

No. 1 Guard

Starter: Ayo Dosunmu

The decision by Ayo Dosunmu just a few days ago to come back to Illinois was one of the biggest decisions in program history. He now reenters the starting lineup and takes over his old starting spot. I have Ayo as the starting No. 1 guard for the Orange and Blue.

Ayo’s impact on the team in his first two years is something that we have rarely seen for the Illini. In year one, he was sensational and the team was so close to getting over the hump. This past season was the breakout year. Ayo put up 16.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game as Illinois made it back to the NCAA tournament. I fully expect those numbers as a junior too. This should be the best year yet for the talented guard.

Backup: Andre Curbelo

The backup to Ayo was the previous starter in past projected lines. I have Andre Curbelo coming in as a freshman and being a primary backup at the No. 1 spot on the team. This kid could easily start and be a big-time impactful player.

Curbelo is coming in with a lot of high school clout. He was a four-star recruit who was the No. 44 player in the class of 2020. Having someone that talented as a backup is going to make this Illini team special. The depth was a concern, but that is not the case anymore.

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