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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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CHICAGO, IL – MARCH 14: Illinois Fighting Illini cheerleaders are seen during a Big Ten Tournament game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Iowa Hawkeyes on March 14, 2019, at the United Center in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Patrick Gorski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

No. 5 Center

Starter: Micawber “Mac” Etienne (FR)

Illinois basketball has a couple of positions I worry about the most. The No. 5 spot is a big worry considering Kofi Cockburn is about to depart after his sophomore season. But snagging a big like Micawber “Mac” Etienne would help take the sting away from losing Kofi.

Etienne would be a force for the Illini. His 6-foot-10, 220-pound frame is a slight downgrade from Kofi, but Etienne makes up for it with his athletic ability. I love what Etienne would bring to Illinois. His drive and tenacity around the hoop is something Illini fans will love. This kid will leave his heart out on the court every night. That is why I have him starting at the No. 5 spot in year one.

Backup: Giorgi Bezhanishvili (SR)

But let’s not get things confused here. Just because I have Etienne starting doesn’t mean he will get the vast majority of minutes. I have the primary backup at the No. 5 spot being Giorgi Bezhanishvili.

Giorgi will be the most experienced player we have on the roster at the No. 5 spot when 2021 rolls around. The 6-foot-9, 235-pound big man should be able to teach Etienne a thing or two about the position. I love Giorgi’s will and drive, much like Etienne. These two should be a nasty duo for Big Ten teams to go up against.

Backup: Jermaine Hamlin (JR)

Depth would improve greatly with Etienne joining the team. But this would shift Jermaine Hamlin back to the backup at the No. 5 spot. Hamlin is a tough kid who can help this program spell some minutes.

As a freshman in 2019-20, Hamlin didn’t see much action but could help Kofi get some much-needed rest. I don’t see Hamlin’s role changing much moving forward. I like the kid, but Illinois will need to get more talent in at the No. 5 spot, and that is where Etienne would step into his starting role.

Next. What to expect from Coleman Hawkins in year one. dark

Backup: Brandon Lieb (FR)

Illinois was able to secure another under-the-radar player for the class of 2020. The forgotten player by many, Brandon Lieb should come into the Illini program and hit shots like it is his job.

The 6-foot-11, 205-pound center has the ability to step out and hit shots from anywhere on the court. I have Lieb redshirting year one and then being a freshman again in 2021. Give the kid some time, Adam Fletcher should be able to make him a force in a couple of years.

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