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Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup with transfer Nimari Burnett

By Rees Woodcock

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - DECEMBER 29: Guard Nimari Burnett #25 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders passes the ball during the second half of the college basketball game against the Incarnate Word Cardinals at United Supermarkets Arena on December 29, 2020 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TEXAS - DECEMBER 29: Guard Nimari Burnett #25 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders passes the ball during the second half of the college basketball game against the Incarnate Word Cardinals at United Supermarkets Arena on December 29, 2020 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /
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Dec 23, 2020; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Giorgi Bezhanishvili (15) drives the ball to the basket during the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Bryce Jordan Center. Illinois defeated Penn State 98-81. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2020; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Giorgi Bezhanishvili (15) drives the ball to the basket during the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Bryce Jordan Center. Illinois defeated Penn State 98-81. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5 Center/Forward

Starter: Giorgi Bezhanishvili (SR)

And now we move to the No. 5 spot. Kofi Cockburn will be dearly missed, as he is likely to depart for the NBA after the season. So, that would leave Giorgi Bezhanishvili to man the No. 5 spot for the Illini.

Giorgi has actually taken a step in the right direction this season. He had a bad sophomore campaign, but he developed his touch on the inside and is an asset to the Orange and Blue. Giorgi is currently averaging 5.7 points and 3.2 rebounds per contest this season. Shooting 60-percent from the floor is what I like to see as well. He will be needed as a senior next season.

Backup: Coleman Hawkins (SO)

Brad Underwood is getting the freshmen some experience this season. Coleman Hawkins is a player who needs to get minutes now so he can help the team down the road.

I have Hawkins in the backup No. 5 spot for the Illini next season. I think he could be in a timeshare with Giorgi. Hawkins is currently averaging 1.3 points and 1.0 rebound per game this season in just 5.8 minutes of action. This should increase as time goes on. The development of Hawkins is extremely important.

Backup: Brandon Lieb (R-FR)

We continue down the line with Brandon Lieb as the backup to Hawkins. Lieb is taking a redshirt this season as he has only played in three games. But there definitely could be a role for him down the road. Lieb is a 7-footer, so if he bulks up a little bit, who knows how good he could become.

Next. Illini one of many to reach out to Nimari Burnett. dark

Backup: Jermaine Hamlin (JR)

And the final man on the roster is Jermaine Hamlin. Hamlin has only played in five games this season and is a solid reserve for the program. Hopefully, the only time we see Hamlin on the court is when we are winning by a lot.

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