Writing Illini
Fansided

Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup with Brandin Podziemski

By Rees Woodcock

Feb 7, 2020; Champaign, Illinois, USA; The national anthem is preformed prior to the first half before a game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Maryland Terrapins at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 7, 2020; Champaign, Illinois, USA; The national anthem is preformed prior to the first half before a game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Maryland Terrapins at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
Jan 19, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Coleman Hawkins (33) shoots a three-point basket as head coach Brad Underwood (L) looks on during the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at the State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Coleman Hawkins (33) shoots a three-point basket as head coach Brad Underwood (L) looks on during the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at the State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4 Guard/Forward

Starter: Coleman Hawkins

I am excited to see the maturation of Coleman Hawkins. We didn’t get to see a ton of him last season, but he had glimpses of brilliance for the program. I see The Hawk stepping up his game and taking over the reins as the starting No. 4 for the Illini this season.

Hawkins is a stretch No. 4 who can get out on the three-point line if he needs to or play in the post. He can be a matchup nightmare against most teams. Hawkins gives the Illini great size at the No. 4, which hasn’t happened in a while.

Backup: RJ Melendez

The third member of the class of 2021 for the Illini is RJ Melendez. Like Brandin Podziemski and Luke Goode, Melendez is in the top 100, checking in at No. 97 in the class of 2021. He is a talented forward who can play the No. 4 spot well.

I see Melendez coming in and getting some minutes for Illinois. He should see Goode-type of minutes, so around 10-15 minutes per game. If Hawkins slips up and isn’t developing as quickly as he should be, that would leave the door open for Melendez to take more minutes. There will be some competition at the No. 4 spot this upcoming season.

Backup: Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk

The final piece at the No. 4 spot would be Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk. He is a solid athlete who hasn’t developed fundamentally. I am curious to see if he can have a good offseason and become a contributor for the program. If he doesn’t, I see reserve minutes in blowout situations being the only time we see him on the court.

Home/Illinois Basketball