Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup with Terrence Shannon Jr. and Coleman Hawkins returning

No. 5 Forward/Center

Starter: Coleman Hawkins (SR)

Illinois fans received some amazing news this week, as Coleman Hawkins decided to pull his name out of the 2023 NBA Draft. Hawkins is returning to the Illini program for one more season, and most fans might have him starting at the No. 4 spot. Not me, though. I have him coming back and starting at the No. 5 spot.

I know some of you might want a traditional big man in this role, but I think Hawkins gives us the best chance to win by playing the No. 5. We don’t take a huge dip on defense, and Hawkins can stretch the floor with his shooting and athletic ability. He will give opposing teams nightmares. This would be the best option for Illinois.

Backup: Dain Dainja (JR)

I would imagine most people have Dain Dainja starting at the No. 5 spot. While this would have been the case if Hawkins departed for the NBA Draft, I think Dainja is best suited coming off the bench as the primary backup at the No. 5 spot.

Toward the end of the 2022-23 campaign, Dainja was starting to lose minutes. He averaged 20.6 minutes per game last season, but in the final nine games, that number dropped to 18.8 minutes per game. I think it would be best for him to be a solid reserve who could give the program 9.0 points and 5.0 rebounds every night.