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Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup with ZZ Clark

By Rees Woodcock

PISCATAWAY, NJ - FEBRUARY 16: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half of a game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Jersey Mike's Arena on February 16, 2022 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Rutgers defeated Illinois 70-59. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NJ - FEBRUARY 16: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half of a game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Jersey Mike's Arena on February 16, 2022 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Rutgers defeated Illinois 70-59. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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Feb 8, 2022; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Luke Goode (10) pushes toward the basket against Purdue Boilermakers forward Trevion Williams (50) during the first half at Mackey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2022; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Luke Goode (10) pushes toward the basket against Purdue Boilermakers forward Trevion Williams (50) during the first half at Mackey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2 Guard

Starter: Luke Goode (SR)

The quality of talent Illinois could have on the roster in 2024 is impressive. There is a chance for Luke Goode to improve and leave early, but I have him suiting up for Illinois through his senior year. He would be an invaluable piece to the Illini roster and one of the best players in the Big Ten.

Goode’s numbers so far through one season aren’t spectacular, but he didn’t see much action. He averaged 2.0 points and 1.8 rebounds in just 8.9 minutes each game. Those numbers will start to increase dramatically this season. By the time 2024 rolls around, look for Goode to step into a leadership role and be the starter at the No. 2 guard spot.

Backup: Sencire Harris (JR)

Illinois basketball fans haven’t had a chance to see what Sencire Harris can do at the college level because he is coming in from the class of 2022. But his high school resume consists of back-to-back state championships during his junior and senior years at St. Vincent-St. Mary’s.

Harris will be entering the Illinois basketball program as a four-star recruit who is ranked as the No. 98 player in the class of 2022. He is also the No. 12 shooting guard in the nation and the best player coming out of Ohio. Harris is going to get his shots at becoming a starter through the first few years at Illinois. I think he is a tremendous talent as well. I have him as the primary backup to Goode at the No. 2 spot. Harris should get at least 20 minutes in each game as well. I see Illinois having a lot of timeshares in 2024.

Backup: Scholarship #2

With Goode being a senior and Harris being a junior in 2024, Illinois is going to need some depth to help fill the soon-to-be voids. Using a scholarship at the No. 2 spot would be a good move in the next couple of years. This would give Illinois a stable foundation in case one of these two talented guards heads to the NBA early.

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