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Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup with the addition of Omar Payne

By Rees Woodcock

Dec 23, 2020; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood looks on from the bench during the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Bryce Jordan Center. Illinois defeated Penn State 98-81. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2020; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood looks on from the bench during the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Bryce Jordan Center. Illinois defeated Penn State 98-81. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 12, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; A fan of the Illinois Fighting Illini waves a flag in support as they celebrate defeating the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2 Guard

Starter: Austin Hutcherson

Without Adam Miller, Illinois’ lineup gets a little thin. Everyone has to be moved around and now I land on having Austin Hutcherson as the starting No. 2 guard for the Orange and Blue. Hutcherson hasn’t played a single second for the Illini, but the former Wesleyan University standout has been rehabbing an injury for the past season and should be ready to go for the upcoming campaign.

Hutcherson’s ability to knock down shots from anywhere on the court is why I have him starting at the No. 2 spot. He could play the No. 2 through No. 4 spots, though. But Illinois is going to need him the most at the traditional shooting guard role. I think he will be a mismatch against other No. 2’s as well. This will give the Illini an advantage size-wise.

Backup: Luke Goode

I think Illinois’ No. 2 guard spot, both starter and backup, in this scenario will sneak up on some people. Hutcherson could fly under the radar, and his backup, Luke Goode, is coming in as a fringe top 100 recruit in 2021.

Goode lit it up at Homestead High School, though. The northeast Indiana star helped the Spartans go undefeated in the regular season, which included big wins over Cathedral, Warren Central, North Central and Lawrence North, all Indianapolis powerhouse programs. A Sectional championship followed as well. But, in Regionals, Homestead had to go up against another Indianapolis area powerhouse in Carmel. The Spartans would drop the game to the eventual 4A state champion. Goode is now going to enter the college ranks with the Illini. Illinois is getting a great shooter and a proven winner. I see him being a great option as the primary backup at the No. 2 spot in year one.

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