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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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Florida Gators forward Omar Payne (5) dunks the ball during an SEC basketball game against South Carolina at Exactech Arena in Gainesville Fla. Feb. 3, 2021. The Gators lost to the Gamecocks 66-72 to end their four game winning streak.UFvsUSCbBall16
Florida Gators forward Omar Payne (5) dunks the ball during an SEC basketball game against South Carolina at Exactech Arena in Gainesville Fla. Feb. 3, 2021. The Gators lost to the Gamecocks 66-72 to end their four game winning streak.UFvsUSCbBall16 /

No. 5 Center/Forward

Starter: Omar Payne

The only issue I have with the Illinois lineup for the 2022-23 campaign is the No. 5 spot. As of right now, I have Omar Payne as the starting No. 5 for the Illini. This would be his senior year, so there are zero options behind Payne as far as playing time is concerned.

Keep an eye out for how Payne develops this upcoming season. He is transferring in from Florida, but he didn’t do well with the Gators. If we can boost Payne’s numbers up to the point he is averaging 8 points and 6 rebounds per game, then I would be okay with him being the man in the middle. But, as of right now, I am nervous about the No. 5 spot.

Backup: Scholarship #1

I think it is extremely important that Illinois uses the only scholarship they have available for 2022 on a big man. We don’t have a suitable center after this season, and it is up in the air whether or not we have one now. Underwood has struck out on some important big men for the future, so having someone come into the program to get his feet wet as a backup would be optimal.

Next. Top 100 Ohio guard commits to the Illini. dark

Backup: Brandon Lieb

The final piece to the puzzle is Brandon Lieb. I want to be proved wrong and surprised by Lieb’s game blossoming over the next year, but I don’t think that will be the case. I see Lieb being on the same path as Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk. He should ride the pine unless there is a blowout situation.

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