No. 5 Center
- Starter: Tomislav Ivisic
There are going to be so many mock drafts published in the coming months, and I would imagine you won’t see Tomislav Ivisic too high on those mock drafts. That is going to be a shame because I think this kid has NBA potential with what he brings to the game.
Ivisic is going to start at the No. 5 spot this season. He was incredible in year one for the Illini, averaging 13.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game. He also led Illinois by hitting 35.7% of his three-pointers. That is a pretty good number when you attempt 4.8 three-pointers per game. A 7-foot-1 big man who can shoot from everywhere, move well, and rebound, that is an NBA scout’s dream.
- Backup: Jason Jakstys
Illinois has another big man on the roster. The 6-foot-10, 200-pound Jason Jakstys didn’t play last season, as he redshirted as a freshman. He is now coming back for year two, and I believe he is going to be a depth piece behind Tomislav Ivisic.
I don’t expect Jakstys to play much. My assumption is that there will be a three-man rotation at the No. 4 and No. 5 spots between the Ivisic brothers and David Mirkovic. I could see Ben Humrichous being tossed in there from time to time, too. While I don’t expect Jakstys to suit up much, Brad Underwood has tricked us in the past. Maybe he will be a breakout star.