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Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup if Kofi Cockburn returns

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 14: Kofi Cockburn #21 of the Illinois Fighting Illini on the free throw line in the game against the Old Dominion Monarchs at State Farm Center on December 14, 2019 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 14: Kofi Cockburn #21 of the Illinois Fighting Illini on the free throw line in the game against the Old Dominion Monarchs at State Farm Center on December 14, 2019 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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Mar 19, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Jacob Grandison (3) shoots against Drexel Dragons guard Camren Wynter (11) during the first round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament at Indiana Farmers Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Jacob Grandison (3) shoots against Drexel Dragons guard Camren Wynter (11) during the first round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament at Indiana Farmers Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4 Forward/Guard

Starter: Jacob Grandison

For pretty much the entire second half of last season, Jacob Grandison was in the starting rotation for the Illini. So, I will keep him as the starting No. 4 for the Orange and Blue this year. I think Grandison brought a lot to Illinois when they were on their run to the postseason. He hustles constantly and is a smart basketball player.

Grandison ended up averaging 4.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game in his first season with the Illini. He wasn’t one of the main scoring options, but when he was asked to step up, Grandison delivered. He shot 41.5-percent from three-point range and 95.7-percent from the charity stripe. This kid did so much for the Illini last season.

Backup: Coleman Hawkins

As a freshman, Coleman Hawkins wasn’t asked to do too much on the basketball court, but when he did see action, you could see he had talent. Hawkins only averaged 6.3 minutes per game last season. I expect that number to increase, though. He should be the primary backup at the No. 4 spot this year. Hawkins moves well for his size and can stretch the floor. That is what I look for him to do in 2021-22.

Backup: RJ Melendez

Illinois’ entire class of 2021 should have the same path. All three players are extremely talented and they should all see some minutes this season. But, honestly, it is all about the future. RJ Melendez is a part of that crew. He is a solid forward who has tremendous athletic ability and can score the basketball. Let’s see him get 5-10 minutes as a freshman but then really blossom for the 2022-23 campaign.

Backup: Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk

I am not expecting much out of Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk this season. He has been riding the pine for his entire career, and that shouldn’t change this year. The only time I expect to see him is in blowout situations.

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