Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup to start the 2021-22 season

No. 3 Guard

Starter: Da’Monte Williams

Despite missing the final exhibition game with an injury, Da’Monte Williams is likely to start the 2021-22 season. Williams is one of the multiple super-seniors on the team. His experience on the court is going to be invaluable for the Illini.

I also think Williams’ defensive abilities set him apart. If he can continue hitting his three-pointers at a rate of above 50% for the upcoming season, then it will be hard to replace him in the starting lineup.

Backup: Austin Hutcherson

Another player who could easily be a starter for the Illinois basketball program is Austin Hutcherson. Like Williams, he also sat out the final exhibition game due to injury. But this won’t deter Hutcherson from being a major impact on the Illini.

Hutcherson lit up the scoreboard in the first exhibition game this preseason. He ended up finishing the game with a team-high 14 points and even added seven rebounds to his night. Hutcherson’s ability to score is amazing, but his great size and length are what have me intrigued the most. It wouldn’t shock me to see Hutcherson starting at some point this season.

Backup: Luke Goode

Illinois’ class of 2021 was extremely impressive. Brandin Podziemski is going to play this season and do well, but I also think Luke Goode will be a factor for the Orange and Blue.

Goode saw 15 minutes in the final exhibition game of the preseason. He performed well in his time on the court, totaling four points and four rebounds. I expect Goode’s minutes to decrease to start the season, but if he plays well, it wouldn’t shock me to see him around 10 minutes in each game.