Illinois Basketball: Why Amani Hansberry Will Carve Out a Role

Illinois Basketball: Why Amani Hansberry Will Carve Out a Role

Illinois Basketball has some interesting frontcourt pieces going into the 2023-2024 season. Coleman Hawkins and Dain Dainja are the two returning players and compliment each other quite well. Hawkins has shown the ability to stretch the floor and play on the perimeter, while Dainja also showed a dominance in the post. Dainja may be the out man out this year, as Illinois would like to give Terrence Shannon and Coleman Hawkins some space. Quincy Guerrier will likely play the power forward spot, and possibly the center position.

Guerrier brings an interesting mix of age, athleticism and shooting touch. He can be an elite rebounder, as he averaged over 8 rebounds as a Sophomore at Syracuse. However, true freshman, Amani Hansberry will certain carve out a role this year.

A Successful trip to Spain

Amani Hansberry was impressive during the team’s trip to Spain. Hansberry struggled with finishing around the rim in the first game, however once he settled in, the 4 star forward was a beast. In the last two games of the trip, Amani averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds on 66.6% fg percentage. To make matters more impressive, out of the 10 rebounds averaged, 7 were offensive boards. It is easier for bigs to dominate against lesser talent, and Hansberry has a traffic jam in front of him. However, Amani showed that he already has the instincts and basketball savvy to be in the right place and haul in all rebounds. He reminds me a lot of Zed Key at this point in time. However, if Hansberry continues to develop, I can see him becoming a more versatile offensive piece like Notre Dame star, Bonzie Colson.

Where does he fit?

Hansberry will certainly have plenty of playing time his sophomore year. Coleman Hawkins will likely leave and Quincy Guerrier will be out of college eligibility. Dain Dainja may or may not move on as well, leaving Hansberry and Morez Johnson as the big men of the future.

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