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Illinois Basketball: 5 burning questions for the Illini against Kansas

By Rees Woodcock

Feb 14, 2023; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood looks on from the bench during the first half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Bryce Jordan Center. Penn State defeated Illinois 93-81. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 14, 2023; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood looks on from the bench during the first half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Bryce Jordan Center. Penn State defeated Illinois 93-81. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports /
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ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO – JANUARY 25: A basketball with a Nike logo lies on the court during a timeout in the second half of a game between the Fresno State Bulldogs and the New Mexico Lobos at The Pit on January 25, 2022 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Bulldogs defeated the Lobos 65-60. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

4. What type of timeshare does Amani Hansberry see?

Illinois had multiple standouts on the trip this summer to Spain. The usual names were great like Terrence Shannon Jr., but we also had players like Amani Hansberry step up in a big way.

Hansberry comes into the Illinois program as an elite freshman who was the Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year. He looked good in Spain, and in the first exhibition game against Ottawa, the big man impressed again.

The Illini ended up torching Ottawa, and Hansberry was a big part of the bench production. In just 14 minutes of action, he put up 14 points, 12 rebounds, two blocks, and one assist. He accomplished these numbers on 7-of-9 shooting from the field as well.

On Sunday against Kansas, I will be watching to see what type of timeshare Hansberry gets. I think this kid has such a bright future, but does Brad Underwood play a freshman extended minutes off the bench?

I would imagine Dain Dainja comes in as the primary backup to Coleman Hawkins. That leaves Hansberry as the third option at the No. 5 spot. But, honestly, he is a much better player than Dainja at this point. I am watching to see how many minutes Hansberry gets in the Kansas game, but I wouldn’t be shocked to see him take over the backup role at the No. 5 spot early in the season.

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