The Illinois basketball program is in the middle of one of the biggest recruiting weekends in a while.
Both Darius Wabbington and Moussa Kamissoko are in Champaign to see what the Illini have to offer. These two talented class of 2027 recruits are five-star players, and getting them to commit at some point would send Illinois recruiting through the roof.
Wabbington’s recruitment is the most intriguing to me. He moved his official visit up, which, to me, means there is a serious chance the Illini have something up our sleeve. Kamissoko is a bit tougher. He has a laundry list of teams to visit, and we are next up on that list.
Regardless, if both players did pick Illinois, we would instantly be national championship favorites.
I know that there are players on the projected starting lineup who are likely to head to the NBA, but they still have eligibility. If they decide to come back, the Illinois roster would be one of the best in the game.
Here is the potential Illinois basketball lineup if Darius Wabbington and Moussa Kamissoko are impressed
No. 1 Guard
- Starter: Stefan Vaaks (3rd)
As a projected NBA Draft pick, I doubt Vaaks is back next season. Who knows, though? Having Vaaks back as one of the leaders of the program would be huge for Illinois.
No. 2 Guard
- Starter: Quentin Coleman (2nd)
Much like Vaaks, Coleman is also a projected NBA Draft pick. He is actually a low first round selection right now. If he doesn’t have a big season as most expect, maybe he returns to Illinois for one more go. Having him at the No. 2 guard spot would be great.
No. 3 Wing
- Starter: Moussa Kamissoko (1st)
If you get two five-star players, you start two five-star players. Kamissoko would be slotted in on the wing. He would take over for Andrej Stojakovic. I love his athletic ability, and he would fit seamlessly into the Illinois scheme on both ends of the court.
No. 4 Forward
- Starter: David Mirkovic (3rd)
It is weird what the NBA looks for sometimes, but if Mirkovic isn’t a projected first round pick in 2027, he may return. He has all of the tools to be a first round selection, but if he can’t convince NBA scouts, this might benefit Illinois.
No. 5 Center
- Starter: Darius Wabbington (1st)
I am excited to have another big man in the paint. Wabbington has the size at 6-foot-11, 255 pounds, and that is going to be great for an Illinois team that just looks to run and gun. Wabbington would immediately start at the No. 5 spot if he picked Illinois.
Potential Illinois Bench
The Illinois bench would be stupid good. They are young and talented, and if the two five-star players committed to Illinois, it would make us insanely deep.
- Ethan Brown (2nd)
- Landon Davis (2nd)
- Lucas Morillo (2nd)
- Zavier Zens (2nd)
- Lincoln Williams (2nd)
- Jason Jakstys (3rd)
- Quinton Kitt (1st)
- Mason Martin (1st)
On this bench, you would have numerous four-star players, including a few top-100 recruits in their respective recruiting classes. The development of Zavier Zens and Lucas Morillo this season is something to keep an eye on, too. I have seen both rumored as NBA Draft possibilities.
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