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Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup with ZZ Clark

By Rees Woodcock

PISCATAWAY, NJ - FEBRUARY 16: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half of a game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Jersey Mike's Arena on February 16, 2022 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Rutgers defeated Illinois 70-59. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NJ - FEBRUARY 16: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half of a game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Jersey Mike's Arena on February 16, 2022 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Rutgers defeated Illinois 70-59. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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April 5, 2021; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Baylor Bears forward Dain Dainja (42) cuts the net after the national championship game in the Final Four of the 2021 NCAA Tournament against the Gonzaga Bulldogs at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
April 5, 2021; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Baylor Bears forward Dain Dainja (42) cuts the net after the national championship game in the Final Four of the 2021 NCAA Tournament against the Gonzaga Bulldogs at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5 Forward/Center

Starter: Dain Dainja (JR)

This past winter in 2021 might have helped the Illinois basketball program for the 2024-25 campaign. The Illini were able to land Baylor transfer Dain Dainja toward the end of 2021. He didn’t play his first season at Baylor and then only played in three games as a redshirt freshman.

I believe Dainja still has four years of eligibility remaining since he only played three games, but that might be incorrect. No matter what, he will still be eligible to play in 2024-25. I have Dainja starting at the No. 5 spot for Illinois. Hopefully, over the next couple of seasons, Dainja develops into the top 100 player he was projected to be coming out of high school. If that happens, Illinois should be in good hands.

Backup: Scholarship #4

Using the final of the four scholarships on another big man would be a wise move. Dainja would be the lone big man on the roster as of right now, and that wouldn’t be good. We need someone who can either compete for the starting job or at least be a solid backup for Dainja. This player needs to enter the program in the next year or two.

Next. Illini eyeing sharpshooting 3-point shooter in transfer portal. dark

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