No. 4 Forward
Starter: Amani Hansberry (SO)
Brad Underwood has been a really good recruiter for the Illinois basketball program. Amani Hansberry was one of his better gets during his time at Illinois thus far. Hansberry was the Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year, and I think he could have a big sophomore season.
Illinois fans didn’t get to see a ton of Hansberry as a freshman, but in the minutes he did see, he was impressive. He played in 19 games and averaged 2.4 points and 2.1 rebounds per contest. I love how strong Hansberry is. He has a great lower body and can hold his ground in the paint. His three-point shooting ability is underrated too. This kid could end up being a big-time floor stretcher for the Illini. I have Hansberry entering the 2024-25 season as the starter at the No. 4 spot.
Backup: Transfer Portal Addition (Need Floor Stretcher)
With the second scholarship that is available, I want Underwood and the Illinois coaching staff to land another talented player who can stretch the floor. This player needs to be at least 6-foot-9 and has to be able to shoot from three-point range. Illinois has plenty of big-man talent, but we are a bit short on players who can stretch the floor and pull the opposing big-man out of the paint. That is how I want Illinois to use the second of two scholarships.