No. 2 Guard
Starter: Luke Goode
This has been the big moment I have been waiting for since they joined the program. The class of 2021 is finally going to get their shine. The first talented 2021 recruit is Luke Goode. When he checked in this past season, you could tell Goode had something special about his game. He has an old soul when it comes to the game of basketball. I love the way this kid plays.
I have Goode entering the 2022-23 campaign as the starting No. 2 guard. He can hit shots from deep and his hustle is something to cherish. This Fort Wayne native is going to do special things for the Illini, and I can’t wait until he sticks a dagger into the hearts of all Indiana and Purdue fans that couldn’t secure his commitment.
Backup: Sencire Harris
There is one recruit who is flying under the radar. Sencire Harris is joining the Illinois basketball program as a true freshman this season. He is a four-star recruit who is ranked as the No. 102 player in the class of 2022. Don’t let that ranking fool you, though. This kid is the best player coming out of the state of Ohio, and he just won his St. Vincent-St. Mary High School team a state title.
I have Harris coming in and being an important part of the Illini from day one. I don’t think he is going to start, but he should be a primary bench player this season. Harris has the scoring ability to light up the scoreboard more than we have seen in recent years off the bench. Look for Harris to become a fan favorite fairly quickly.