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Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup with the addition of Sencire Harris

By Rees Woodcock

STVM's Sencire Harris makes a layup ahead of Shawnee's Austin Miller during the second half of a Divsion II state semifinal, Saturday, March 20, 2021, in Dayton, Ohio. [Jeff Lange/Beacon Journal]Stvmsemis 1
STVM's Sencire Harris makes a layup ahead of Shawnee's Austin Miller during the second half of a Divsion II state semifinal, Saturday, March 20, 2021, in Dayton, Ohio. [Jeff Lange/Beacon Journal]Stvmsemis 1 /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 21: Jacob Grandison #3 of the Illinois Fighting Illini drives to the basket against Keith Clemons #5 of the Loyola Chicago Ramblers during the first half in the second round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 21, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 21: Jacob Grandison #3 of the Illinois Fighting Illini drives to the basket against Keith Clemons #5 of the Loyola Chicago Ramblers during the first half in the second round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 21, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

No. 3 Guard

Starter: Jacob Grandison

Now, this is where the lineup could vary by the 2022-23 season. I have Jacob Grandison starting at the No. 3 guard spot because, I believe, he would still have a year of eligibility remaining. He spent two years at Holy Cross. Transferred to Illinois and played last season. But last season didn’t count. So, technically, Grandison is only entering his junior year of eligibility this season.

If Grandison did return in 2022, this would be huge for the Illinois roster. Grandison showed how big of an asset he could be last season while the Illini made a run to the NCAA tournament. As a veteran leader on a young team, I expect him to make just as big of an intangible impact as a tangible one on the program moving forward.

Backup: Austin Hutcherson

I know most people are going to question why I have Austin Hutcherson as a backup on this lineup. My simple answer is that he is a DIII transfer who we haven’t seen play at the DI level. I need to see him play before I can move him up in this lineup. With that being said, there is all the potential in the world for Hutcherson to play well this season and become a starter by 2022.

Hutcherson had great numbers with Wesleyan University. His three-point shooting numbers are what really sticks out to me. If we can get somewhere near the numbers he put up with Wesleyan, then there is no doubt in my mind he is a starter. But, for now, I have Hutcherson backing up Grandison at the No. 3 guard spot.

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