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Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup with the addition of Sencire Harris

By Rees Woodcock

STVM's Sencire Harris makes a layup ahead of Shawnee's Austin Miller during the second half of a Divsion II state semifinal, Saturday, March 20, 2021, in Dayton, Ohio. [Jeff Lange/Beacon Journal]Stvmsemis 1
STVM's Sencire Harris makes a layup ahead of Shawnee's Austin Miller during the second half of a Divsion II state semifinal, Saturday, March 20, 2021, in Dayton, Ohio. [Jeff Lange/Beacon Journal]Stvmsemis 1 /
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CHAMPAIGN, IL – JANUARY 02: Coleman Hawkins #33 of the Illinois Fighting Illini passes the ball during the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at State Farm Center on January 2, 2021 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL – JANUARY 02: Coleman Hawkins #33 of the Illinois Fighting Illini passes the ball during the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at State Farm Center on January 2, 2021 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

No. 4 Forward/Guard

Starter: Coleman Hawkins

I think there are multiple options Brad Underwood has at the No. 4 spot in the future, but Coleman Hawkins seems like he could be a good fit to start by the 2022-23 campaign. Hawkins really started to develop as a freshman and will be looked to for more production this upcoming season.

Hawkins’ 1.4 points and 0.8 rebounds per game don’t do him justice. He showed on multiple occasions that he has a bright future with the Illinois basketball program. I believe he will still be a freshman next season, so his development as a freshman will be something to keep an eye on. If he can boost his numbers up to roughly 8 points and 5 rebounds per game, then I think there is a starting job for Hawkins by 2022.

Backup: RJ Melendez

I honestly believe there could be a battle for the No. 4 spot when 2022 rolls around. Hawkins is the starter in this lineup, but RJ Melendez could have something to say about that. At worst, I see there being a timeshare between the two talented forwards.

Melendez is coming in from the class of 2021 with a lot of hype. He is someone who can stretch the floor. Illinois hasn’t had a skilled forward like Melendez in quite some time. I can’t wait to see how he develops as a freshman because he is going to be an important piece by his sophomore year.

Backup: Benjmain Bosmans-Verdonk

I am not sure how many minutes Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk will get by 2022, but he should still be riding the pine. I don’t expect him to develop into a contributor on the team by any means. He should be someone who sees minutes only in blowout situations.

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