Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup with Brandin Podziemski

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Nov 25, 2020; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Jacob Grandison (3) hits a three point shot during the second half against the North Carolina A&T Aggies at the State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3 Guard/Forward

Starter: Jacob Grandison

There isn’t a lot of experience returning to the Illinois basketball team from last season. One of the most experienced players who will be suiting up for the program is Jacob Grandison. He started most of the season in 2020-21, and that experience is why I have him starting again this upcoming campaign.

Grandison mostly played the No. 4 spot last year, as Illinois went relatively small besides for Kofi Cockburn. I liked what Grandison brought to the table as well. He isn’t a flashy player, but he puts up solid numbers across the board, and he has a level head. He is someone I trust to be a leader for the Illinois basketball program. Being the starting No. 3 for the Illini is a good role for him.

Backup: Luke Goode

Alongside Brandin Podziemski in the class of 2021 comes Luke Goode. Goode was the first commitment for the Illini in this class, and he stuck with his commitment. He signed with the Illini back in November, and now I have him as the primary backup at the No. 3 spot for Illinois this upcoming season.

Goode is also a top 100 recruit, much like Podziemski. He is a four-star recruit who is ranked as the No. 94 player in the class of 2021. I see Goode coming in and contributing in year one. I expect somewhere between 10-15 minutes per game for the talented Homestead product. Look for Goode to be a solid contributor and a smart basketball player for the program from day one.

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