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NCAA Basketball: Villanova, Gonzaga headline early 2020-21 rankings

By Lukas Harkins

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 07: Collin Gillespie #2 of the Villanova Wildcats looks on during a college basketball game against the Georgetown Hoyas at the Capital One Arena on March 7, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 07: Collin Gillespie #2 of the Villanova Wildcats looks on during a college basketball game against the Georgetown Hoyas at the Capital One Arena on March 7, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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COLLEGE PARK, MD – DECEMBER 07: llinois Fighting Illini huddle. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MD – DECEMBER 07: llinois Fighting Illini huddle. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

481. . . . Illinois Fighting Illini. 24. player

Illinois faced high expectations heading into 2019-20 and largely lived up to the hype. With superstar guard Ayo Dosunmu leading the way, the Fighting Illini put forth a strong campaign and were likely to reach the NCAA Tournament with a No. 6-8 seed. Although the Big Dance was canceled, it is fair to say that Illinois would have made its first appearance since 2013. It really was a strong season for the program and it could be seen as a turning point for the Illini under head coach Brad Underwood.

Looking ahead to this coming season, Dosunmu’s draft decision looms large for the Illini. The stellar guard is fresh off an excellent sophomore campaign while leading the team with 16.6 points per game and landing a spot on the All-Big Ten First Team. He could easily head to the NBA this offseason but considering the nationwide concerns over the coronavirus and its widespread impact, he might give serious thought to returning for his junior year.

With that said, though, Illinois would also be in pretty good shape even if he chooses to move to the NBA. Kofi Cockburn is the main reason for this optimism as he posted a superb freshman campaign during this past year while averaging 13.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. Additionally, Trent Frazier and Da’Monte Williams will both return as senior starters in the backcourt while forward Giorgi Bezhanishvili remains a viable threat at the forward slot.

Illinois will be losing Andres Feliz, Alan Griffin, Tevian Jones, and Kipper Nichols this offseason, but they also have a pair of transfers coming in as well as a highly-touted recruiting class. Jacob Grandison and Austin Hutcherson both sat out this past season but are multipositional wing/forward combos that can make versatile contributions on the court.

Illinois’ 2020 recruiting class is also worth discussing as it includes a dynamite backcourt duo of playmaker Andre Curbelo (No. 55) and sharpshooter Adam Miller (No. 33), along with forward Coleman Hawkins (No. 157). There is definitely talent on this roster, even with a few pieces to replace.

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