Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup for 2023-24 after the Spain trip

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Mar 16, 2023; Des Moines, IA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Coleman Hawkins (33) shoots the ball against Arkansas Razorbacks forward Makhi Mitchell (15) during the first half at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4 Forward

Starter: Coleman Hawkins

Much like Terrence Shannon Jr., Illinois has another locked-in starter in Coleman Hawkins. No matter how his Spain trip went, Hawkins was going to be slotted into a starting spot. So, I have him coming into the season starting at the No. 4 spot.

This is a big season for Hawkins. I believe he was close to staying in the NBA Draft process, but there was something clearly missing in his game. That something might have been consistent three-point shooting. It seems that Hawkins has worked on his shooting this offseason, as he would go 4-of-8 from three-point range in the final two games in Spain. If we can get Hawkins to space the floor and knock down three-pointers at a clip of around 35%, then Illinois is going to be a dangerous team.

Backup: Quincy Guerrier

Depth is absolutely insane for Illinois. I have said it multiple times already, and I am going to say it again. Having a player like Quincy Guerrier ready to be one of the first players off the bench is such a luxury to have for the program. Brad Underwood landing Guerrier this offseason is going to be huge for Illinois.

I have Guerrier coming into the 2023-24 campaign as the primary backup at the No. 4 spot. I would have thought he would be a starter, but with the talent we have on the roster, I think he is best suited as the backup to Hawkins. I think Guerrier is a little bit like Hawkins. He is a big man who can stretch the floor with three-point shooting. Illinois has quite the one-two punch at the No. 4 spot heading into the season.

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