Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup with Amani Hansberry

No. 5 Center/Forward

Starter: Coleman Hawkins

I think some people still scoff at this notion, but I think Coleman Hawkins is still the best option at the No. 5 spot. He isn’t a traditional center by any means, but as of right now, no one has seen Dain Dainja do much on the basketball court.

I have Hawkins start at the No. 5 spot. Illinois would go with a more athletic and better shooting lineup with Hawkins in this spot. Look for him to have a big year in 2022-23 and then really blossom into a potential first-round NBA Draft pick next season.

Backup: Dain Dainja

Most Illinois fans are wanting Dain Daina as the starting center for the Illini. I think he could end up being the starting center, but for now, I have him as the primary backup at the No. 5 spot.

I want to see Dainja succeed on the basketball court. If Illinois could get something similar to Kofi Cockburn at center, then I would be thrilled. But Dainja couldn’t see the court with Baylor. That makes me nervous. If he plays well early in the season this year, I could easily change this depth chart to have him start in 2023-24. For now, he is a backup.

Backup: Brandon Lieb

I love the development of Brandon Lieb, but I think Illinois has too much talent in front of him to see much time. Look for Lieb to see action in blowout games.