Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup with transfer Nimari Burnett

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LUBBOCK, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 25: Guard Nimari Burnett #25 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders handles the ball during the first half of the college basketball game against the Northwestern State Demons at United Supermarkets Arena on November 25, 2020 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /

No. 3 Guard

Starter: Nimari Burnett (R-FR)

The No. 3 guard spot is where Illinois was going to struggle the most next season if they couldn’t get a solid transfer into the program. That is why I would put Nimari Burnett in this spot. He would get the chance to start from day one for the Illini, and he would be looked to as a solid scorer for the program.

Burnett struggled mightily for Texas Tech in the 12 games he suited up. He averaged 5.3 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game while only shooting 28-percent from the field and 17.4-percent from three-point range. Sometimes the fit just isn’t right, so why not go to a place where you can help a team win games. Illinois could bring Burnett in and help develop his game. Andre Curbelo will naturally help Burnett put up better numbers than he did with the Red Raiders.

The team around Burnett has as much to do with him succeeding as his play in general. I believe Illinois’ roster can help the kid flourish in the No. 3 spot.

Backup: Luke Goode (FR)

I love what Illinois has coming in to help Burnett. I would slot in Luke Goode to back up the young Chicago native. This would be the best for the Illini as Goode would help provide relief to Burnett, and he is a good shooter with size.

Goode is a four-star recruit who is ranked as the No. 95 player in the class of 2021. He is going to make an impact on this Illinois basketball team from day one. I see him getting roughly 10 minutes per game in his first season. This will help him get the speed of the game, and he will contribute solid time for a winning program.

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