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Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup with Terrence Shannon Jr

By Rees Woodcock

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 24: Terrence Shannon Jr. #1 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders celebrates a basket against the Duke Blue Devils during the first half in the Sweet Sixteen round game of the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Chase Center on March 24, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 24: Terrence Shannon Jr. #1 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders celebrates a basket against the Duke Blue Devils during the first half in the Sweet Sixteen round game of the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Chase Center on March 24, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /
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Illinois basketball
Ensworth’s Skyy Clark (55) advances with Brentwood’s Macen Redner (24) during the second quarter at Brentwood High School in Brentwood, Tenn., Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020.Bhs Ehs Bbb 111920 An 014 /

Illinois basketball was able to land one of the big players in the transfer portal on Friday afternoon.

This offseason was rough for the Illini as we lost some key players to the transfer portal. But, on Friday, everything changed as Terrence Shannon Jr. picked the Orange and Blue. This was a huge transfer for Brad Underwood. Shannon brings so much experience to the table. He also changes the Illinois lineup dramatically.

Here is the projected Illinois basketball lineup with Terrence Shannon Jr.

No. 1 Guard

Starter: Skyy Clark

The obvious starter at the No. 1 guard spot entering the upcoming season is Skyy Clark. As soon as he committed to the Illini, he become our starting point guard. Clark was a four-star recruit and was ranked as the No. 26 player in the class of 2022. He was also the No. 5 point guard in the nation and the No. 7 player coming out of Florida. I’m not sure why, but Clark used to be a five-star but that has since changed.

Clark has everything you would want in a point guard. His handles are what stand out to me the most. He has great control over the ball and can move defenders with his dribbling. Clark’s shooting then takes him from a really good player to a great player. I am excited to see what he can do with the Illini.

Backup: Jayden Epps

While Jayden Epps isn’t a true point guard, I believe Illinois will need him as the primary backup to Clark entering the 2022-23 campaign. Epps can shoot the ball with the best of the best. He is a playmaker at heart. With the way the roster is shaking out, Epps is going to be needed when Clark has to ride the pine. It also wouldn’t shock me to see Clark and Epps on the floor at the same time. This incoming recruiting class is special.

Backup: Scholarship

With this projected lineup, Illinois would have two available scholarships for next season. I think finding another point guard would be beneficial to the team. This would free up Epps to play more of the No. 2 guard role instead of handling the ball.

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