Illinois Basketball: Potential projected Illini lineup with recent transfer portal additions

No. 5 Center

Starter: Dain Dainja

This has been a crazy offseason for the Illinois basketball program. So many moving pieces right now, but the first player to announce that he was returning to the team was Dain Dainja. For the upcoming season, I see Dainja starting at the No. 5 spot.

For his first full season of playing college basketball, I was impressed with Dainja’s ability. He would average 9.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per contest. I think his touch around the hoop is extremely impressive as well. There are some things he needs to work on, though. Dainja needs to not be so flatfooted on defense, and his free throw shooting needs improvement. Those things can be worked on this offseason.

Backup: Amani Hansberry

Illinois doesn’t have much in the way of a traditional big man to back up Dainja next season. Honestly, I think the best option might be incoming freshman, Amani Hansberry.

Hansberry is a rising freshman. He is rated as a four-star recruit and ranked as the No. 56 player in the class of 2023. At 6-foot-8, 225 pounds, Hansberry is built like a brick you-know-what. That is why I am comfortable with him being the primary backup at the No. 5 spot. His normal position is at power forward, but I think Hansberry could hold his own in the paint. Look for him to get minutes in multiple roles as a freshman. This kid is a big-time player.