Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup for the start of the 2022-23 season

No. 5 Forward/Center

Starter: Coleman Hawkins (JR) – 6’ 10”, 225-pounds

I know there are a lot of Illinois basketball fans who think Dain Dainja is going to come into the Illinois basketball program and start from day one. I just don’t see it. I can’t imagine Coleman Hawkins not starting for the Illini. He has a ton of talent and is also projected as a second-round NBA Draft pick right now. That is why I have Hawkins starting at the No. 5 spot.

While Hawkins is better suited at the No. 4 spot, Illinois’ roster is laced with talent. We are going with a more athletic and better perimeter shooting team this upcoming season. Hawkins has proven to check both of those boxes. He is Illinois’ leading returning scorer and averaged 5.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game last season. Hawkins’ defense also took a step forward in 2021-22. Look for him to have a great year and be on one of the All-Big Ten teams.

Backup: Dain Dainja (SO) – 6’ 9”, 270-pounds

Even though I have Hawkins starting at the No. 5 spot, I think Dain Dainja is going to get his chance to show what he has on the court. Dainja transferred in from Baylor last season but couldn’t suit up for Illinois. He is now available for the Illini, and the big man gives us the closest thing to replacing Kofi Cockburn.

Coming out of high school, Dainja was a four-star recruit who was ranked No. 91 in the class of 2020. He couldn’t see the floor with Baylor, though. He played in three games and saw nine minutes last season. Brad Underwood is tasked with developing Dainja into a good player, and I think that could happen. This season should be about building Dainja into a starting Big Ten center. I think Hawkins is gone after this season, so having Dainja waiting in the wings is exciting. Look for him to get 8-13 minutes in each game this season.

Backup: Brandon Lieb (JR) – 7’ 0”, 220-pounds

The last scholarship player for the Illinois basketball program is Brandon Lieb. The 7-foot, 220-pound big man has been on the team for a couple of seasons, but he is just a deep bench guy who plays limited minutes in blowout situations. I don’t see that changing much anytime in the future, though. But it is always nice to have a 7-foot guy in case of an emergency.