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Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup with the addition of Jayden Epps

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 /
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NASHVILLE, TN – MARCH 12: Omar Payne #5 of the Florida Gators stands in position against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half of their quarterfinal game in the SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 12, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. Tennessee defeats Florida 78-66. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

No. 5 Center/Forward

Starter: Omar Payne (4-star)

I truly believe the No. 5 spot needs some help moving forward, but at least Brad Underwood was able to land a player like Omar Payne to fill in a void left by Kofi Cockburn. While Kofi is still deciding on if he is coming back this season, he will probably be gone by the time 2022-23 rolls around.

I have Payne being the starter at the No. 5 spot for the 2022-23 campaign. It would be great if Kofi did come back because he could help Payne develop into a solid Big Ten big man. While with Florida, Payne’s game never got off the ground. But Underwood has been able to produce solid No. 5’s during his time. Payne’s development this season will determine how solid the position will be in 2022-23.

Backup: Brandon Lieb (3-Star)

The backup No. 5 spot worries me greatly, as I have Brandon Lieb as the primary backup. On paper, this isn’t good for the Illini. Lieb only played in five games for the program as a freshman and averaged under a point per game.

Next. Jayden Epps gives Illini a dangerous backcourt in 2022. dark

That was last season, though. The upcoming campaign is going to be huge for Lieb’s development. If he wants to be a solid backup for the Illini, he is going to need to bulk up a little bit and become a more polished offensive and defensive player. I could see that happening. Lieb is already 7-foot tall. If he could just hone his skills a little more, this kid could be serviceable.

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