Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup with Quincy Guerrier

No. 5 Center

Starter: Dain Dainja

The man, the myth, the legend. Dain Dainja was the first to say he was returning to Champaign, and this Illinois fan will never forget that. He is back with the program, and I have Dainja starting at the No. 5 spot this upcoming season.

Dainja did a lot of good things for Illinois on the court. Beyond his 9.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per contest, Dainja showed his touch around the hoop. He has the ability to put up big scoring numbers if he becomes a little more polished with his moves in the paint. I think there is a lot of potential with Dainja, and let’s remember, the 2022-23 campaign was his first full year of playing college basketball. We have only just tapped into his potential as a player.

Backup: Amani Hansberry

I think Illinois is bringing in a player, Amani Hansberry, who can play multiple positions on the Illinois basketball team. Hansberry enters as a four-star recruit who was the No. 61 player in the class of 2023. He was also the Gatorade Player of the Year in Maryland.

For now, I have Hansberry coming in and being the primary backup to Dainja at the No. 5 spot. I also have him floating between the No. 4 and No. 5 spot. Whoever needs a breather, Hansberry can take their place in the frontcourt. Look for Hansberry to display his physical gifts for Illinois early and often. He is a true power forward.

Backup: Scholarship

The final scholarship I have on this list should go to the No. 5 spot. It would be nice to get a backup center into the program so Hansberry could move more to the No. 4 spot. Again, I don’t need someone who is going to play a ton of minutes, but when Dainja needs a rest, it would be nice to have some experience behind him.