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Illinois Basketball: Projected lineup if Jordan Nesbitt picks Illini

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN , IL - NOVEMBER 13: The Big 10 logo on the floor before a college basketball game between the Georgetown Hoyas and the Illinois Fighting Illini at the State Farm Center on November 13, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
CHAMPAIGN , IL - NOVEMBER 13: The Big 10 logo on the floor before a college basketball game between the Georgetown Hoyas and the Illinois Fighting Illini at the State Farm Center on November 13, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 10: Adam Miller drives to the basket during the Nike Academy Showcase Game on August 10, 2019 at the Los Angeles Southwest College in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

No. 2 Guard

Starter: Adam Miller

I believe the starting No. 2 guard for the Illini in 2021-22 is unquestionably going to be Adam Miller. The 6-foot-3, 170-pound shooting guard steps foot in Champaign as one of the most heralded high school players to come out of the state of Illinois in years. Miller’s shot-making abilities and great length as a guard will be on display early on in his career.

It will be interesting to see how Illinois fits Miller into the lineup as a true freshman. Brad Underwood has a ton of guard talent, but I see Miller starting from day one and that not wavering one bit. In year one, Miller should be able to put up solid numbers despite not being the first option on the team. His development in 2020-21 will only help the future of the team as Miller becomes the No. 1 option as a sophomore.

Backup: Luke Goode

There is a change-up to the projected Illini lineup as I have moved Luke Goode over to his more natural position as the backup No. 2 guard as a true freshman. The 6-foto-5, 175-pound small forward has a shot that mirrors in comparison to some of the best Illinois basketball players to step foot on the State Farm Center floor.

Goode, the No. 93 player in the class of 2021, should come in and be an instant contributor off the bench. I would imagine he is the first player off the bench and should be one of the best sixth-men in the nation. There likely won’t be a huge timeshare with Miller as his backup, but don’t be surprised if Underwood moves Goode around the floor. He could play the No. 2 or No. 3 and be just as effective in each role.

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