Illinois Basketball: Projected depth chart /rotation for 2023-24 season
Power forward: Coleman Hawkins, Luke Goode and Amani Hansberry
Cole Hawkins: 9.9 ppg / 6.3 rpg / 32.5 mpg
Is it a stretch to label the 6-foot-10 forward a “stretch forward” in his senior year? Hawkins was successful on just 28 percent of the four attempts per game from beyond the arc last season. His season high was six made three-pointers versus Wisconsin and five versus Eastern Illinois, both in victories. Early indication is that Coach Underwood will not be attempting to reign in Hawkins’ attempts this season. During the three games in Spain, the senior made four of his twelve attempts, as his six attempts versus the Catalonia All-Stars was a team-high.
Hawkins also brings a ton of effort and is able to guard centers on the perimeter when on the court with Dain Dainja, but when occupying the paint by himself he does need help in the form of a double team versus wide centers. In the same fashion that Coach Underwood will utilize the versatile aforementioned players, Hawkins will not only be getting playing time at forward but at center as well, such as he did versus Madrid All-Stars starting alongside four guards.
Indiana Hoosiers depth chart. light. Related Story
Luke Goode: 4 ppg / 13.9 mpg
The 6 foot 7 junior appeared in just 10 games last season after making his season debut in February. He had a season-high ten points versus Purdue as he connected on both attempts from beyond the arc. At 6 foot 7, Goode will be part of the small forward rotation as well, as he demonstrated range in high school. While in Spain he started two of the three games and averaged seven points in over 18 minutes per game.
Amani Hansberry
Anybody who has visited Amani Hansberry’s videos on YouTube is aware that the 6 foot 8, 225 pound forward will be putting the power back into power forward as his teammates attempt to keep the stretch. The MaxPreps Maryland High School Player of the Year averaged 17.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists and his better than 63 percent field goal percentage is a result of getting into the paint and finishing. His performance in Spain demonstrates that he will be challenging for playing time as he averaged over 11 points and over 15 minutes.