Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup after missing on Tyty Washington

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Feb 7, 2020; Champaign, Illinois, USA; The national anthem is preformed prior to the first half before a game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Maryland Terrapins at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3 Guard

Starter: Austin Hutcherson

The experience would continue for the Illini with Austin Hutcherson starting at the No. 3 spot. The 6-foot-6, 180-pound guard transferred into the Illinois program last season and, like Jacob Grandison, he had to sit out last season due to NCAA transfer rules.

Before coming to Champaign, Hutcherson spent two years at Wesleyan University. During his sophomore season, Hutcherson averaged 20 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game while shooting 39.2-percent from three-point range. Illinois’ experience would increase with Hutcherson starting but so would their shooting ability from deep. That is why I would start Hutcherson at the No. 3 guard spot.

Backup: Luke Goode

I am excited about the backup to Hutcherson when the 2021-22 season rolls around. I am slotting 2021 freshman Luke Goode as the primary backup to Hutcherson. Having a youngster like Goode learning behind someone so experienced like Hutcherson will bode well for the freshman’s development moving forward.

Goode, a 6-foot-7, 200-pound small forward, is rated as a three-star recruit and ranked as the No. 96 player in the class of 2021. The development of Goode in year one is extremely important. The kid has great length and can knock down shots from anywhere. Easing him into the rotation and then unleashing him as a sophomore should be the plan. For now, he would be the primary backup to Hutcherson at the No. 3 spot.

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