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Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup with the dream class of 2021

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN , IL - NOVEMBER 13: The Big 10 logo on the floor before a college basketball game between the Georgetown Hoyas and the Illinois Fighting Illini at the State Farm Center on November 13, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
CHAMPAIGN , IL - NOVEMBER 13: The Big 10 logo on the floor before a college basketball game between the Georgetown Hoyas and the Illinois Fighting Illini at the State Farm Center on November 13, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /
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Feb 11, 2020; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Giorgi Bezhanishvili (15) enters the locker room prior to the first half against the Michigan State Spartans at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 11, 2020; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Giorgi Bezhanishvili (15) enters the locker room prior to the first half against the Michigan State Spartans at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4 Forward

Starter: Giorgi Bezhanishvili

I can’t believe I am saying this, but Giorgi Bezhanishvili would only be a senior when the 2021-22 campaign rolls around. He seems like he has been with the Illini for a century now, but having his experience is invaluable to a young team.

Since Illinois should be able to land a solid center, I am moving Giorgi to the starting No. 4 spot for the Illini. Despite his declining numbers of 6.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, Giorgi has been the energy of this team for the last couple of seasons. He has a tremendous amount of experience in the paint and will continue being an asset at the starting No. 4 spot for the Orange and Blue.

Backup: Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk

I think the player every Illinois fan is excited to see on the floor for extended minutes is Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk. He is the big question mark heading into the upcoming season but is someone who could really help this program down the road.

Checking in at 6-foot-8, 235-pounds, Verdonk has great size and is built well for the No. 4 spot. I wouldn’t shock me to see him develop well this upcoming season and then be a great piece to the Illini as a backup No. 4 in 2021-22. The future is bright for this kid, and hopefully, Illinois can develop him into a starter moving forward.

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