Illinois Basketball: Best Illini lineup after the Skyy Clark departure

No. 5 Center/Forward

Starter: Dain Dainja

This might be a big shocker to some people, but I think it is time for Brad Underwood to move Dain Dainja into the starting No. 5 spot. We have a big man who is extremely agile and has solid touch, so let’s use him.

Dainja is averaging 10.6 points and 5.7 rebounds this season, which both rank second on the team. He also leads the team with 1.3 blocks per game. The crazy part about Dainja is the fact he isn’t even averaging 20 minutes on the floor each night. Underwood isn’t using him enough, but with some lineup adjustments happening, I think this is the perfect opportunity to move Dainja into a more prominent role on this team.

Backup: Coleman Hawkins

With Dainja moving into the starting No. 5 spot, that would leave Coleman Hawkins on the outs. I have him as the primary backup to Dainja. This would make the most sense for the Illinois basketball program right now.

Hawkins was entering the 2022-23 campaign as one of the most unique players in the college game. He was on various NBA Draft big boards as well. But his game has declined this season. Hawkins is averaging 9.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game, but he is also averaging 29.8 minutes each night. A big thing that concerns me is the team-high 3.1 turnovers, and the fact he looks lost on the court too often. Hawkins is only hitting 28.3% of his three-pointers as well. For now, it is time to have him come off the bench.