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Illinois Basketball: Best-case Illini lineup after missing on David Jones

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - FEBRUARY 6: General view of the court as the ESPN College Gameday crew broadcasts before the Illinois Fighting Illini play against the Michigan State Spartans at Assembly Hall on February 6, 2010 in Champaign, Illinois. Illinois defeated Michigan State 78-73. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - FEBRUARY 6: General view of the court as the ESPN College Gameday crew broadcasts before the Illinois Fighting Illini play against the Michigan State Spartans at Assembly Hall on February 6, 2010 in Champaign, Illinois. Illinois defeated Michigan State 78-73. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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TULSA, OK – MARCH 20: A view of the ball during the third round game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Kansas Jayhawks in the 2011 NCAA men’s basketball tournament at BOK Center on March 20, 2011 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

No. 4 Guard/Forward

Starter: Bryce Hopkins (FR)

This is where the serious changes would happen for the Illinois basketball program. The Illini have three spots to fill. I would use one on previously mentioned Rafael Pinzon. The second scholarship would be used on big-time target, Bryce Hopkins. He would be a huge get for the Illini.

Yes, the 6-foot-7, 220-pound forward has six Crystal Ball predictions pointing him toward Kentucky right now. The Wildcats came in with an offer and it seems like Hopkins’ dad loves the program. But I think he is a long way away from making a commitment. Hopkins would be a game-changer for the Illini. He has the size to bully his way through the paint. The power this kid has within 10 feet of the hoop is phenomenal. Hopkins has great touch and an even better ability to rebound the ball. The kid will be a force on the inside for whatever team snags him.

Backup: Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk (SO)

The depth at the No. 4 spot would be extremely strong if Hopkins did decide to pick Illinois. I would slot Hopkins in as the starter at the No. 4 spot with the backup being then-sophomore, Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk.

Verdonk, a 6-foot-8, 235-pound forward, didn’t see much action as a true freshman this past season. He redshirted and will be a freshman again in 2020. His development is extremely important for the future of the Illinois program. Having Verdonk take some positive steps this season will only help the team moving forward. His size and athletic ability should be fun to watch this season.

Backup: Coleman Hawkins (FR)

Andre Curbelo and Adam Miller are the highlights of the class of 2020 for the Illinois basketball program. But there is another talented player in the group who could help the team. Coleman Hawkins is coming in and should be a great depth piece early on.

I have the 6-foot-10, 195-pound Hawkins redshirting his freshman season. That means he will be a freshman once again in 2021. This will enable him to improve and get up to speed with the college game. As a redshirt freshman, I have Hawkins behind both Hopkins and Verdonk, but look for the kid to get some minutes as he improves his game.

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