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Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup with Dain Dainja

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN , IL - NOVEMBER 13: The Big 10 logo on the floor before a college basketball game between the Georgetown Hoyas and the Illinois Fighting Illini at the State Farm Center on November 13, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
CHAMPAIGN , IL - NOVEMBER 13: The Big 10 logo on the floor before a college basketball game between the Georgetown Hoyas and the Illinois Fighting Illini at the State Farm Center on November 13, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /
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Nov 29, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Cormac Ryan (5) drives the ball past Illinois Fighting Illini forward Coleman Hawkins (33) during the second half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Cormac Ryan (5) drives the ball past Illinois Fighting Illini forward Coleman Hawkins (33) during the second half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4 Guard/Forward

Starter: Coleman Hawkins

Brad Underwood is full steam ahead with Coleman Hawkins. Hawkins started seeing playing time as a freshman last season, and he is fully integrated into the Illinois basketball lineup this year. I think Hawkins is going to end up being the starting No. 4 next year. He has earned the trust of Underwood and as long as he keeps playing well, there should be a starting job available.

So far this season, Hawkins has averaged 9.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game. While he does average three turnovers per contest, Hawkins has been such a valuable piece to the puzzle. The future is so bright for him.

Backup: Ty Rodgers

I am extremely excited about the class of 2022. The highest-ranked player in this class is Ty Rodgers. He committed and signed with Illinois during the early signing period, and now the future of the Illini frontcourt is in good hands.

As a freshman, I have Rodgers backing up Hawkins at the No. 4 spot. He could play either the No. 3 or No. 4 spot, but I think this is the best role for him. He is coming into the program as a four-star recruit and ranked as the No. 53 player in the class of 2022. He is also the No. 16 small forward and the best player in the state of Illinois.

Backup: Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk

Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk has been a nice time filler this season. He is averaging 10.7 minutes per game, and a lot of this time had to do with Kofi Cockburn being suspended. But I think Verdonk has a chance to be in this role next year as well. I have him as the second backup at the No. 4 spot.

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