Illinois Basketball: Early projected Illini lineup for the 2023-24 season

No. 5 Center/Forward

Starter: Dain Dainja (JR)

Since Kofi Cockburn left the program, the Illinois basketball team has struggled to find consistent play at the No. 5 spot. I loved that the Illini were able to land Dain Dainja last year, and he was an asset this past season.

Moving into the 2023-24 campaign, I think the best option for the Illini is to stick with Dainja at the No. 5 spot. I have him starting in this role. Listen, I know there are flaws in Dainja’s game. He panics when double-teamed, and he isn’t great at rebounding. But Dainja does have some buttery touch around the hoop. He is also pretty athletic for his size. A good offseason of development is needed. I think he can build on his 9.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. He should probably be the starter at the No. 5 spot for 2023-24.

Backup: Brandon Lieb (SR)

This is usually where I type Brandon Lieb won’t get minutes, as he is a career bench player who is just on the roster. I am not so sure that is the case anymore, though.

Lieb was used in nearly half the games this past season. He averaged 3.6 minutes per game and pulled down 1.1 rebounds each night he was on the court. I don’t think Lieb is a starter by any means, but having him play 8-10 minutes a night isn’t out of the realm of possibility. When he does play, he gives full effort and I love that. Maybe, just maybe, Lieb gets solid playing time next season. I have him as the primary backup at the No. 5 spot.