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Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup without Zacharie Perrin

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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Mar 24, 2022; San Francisco, CA, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (1) dribbles the ball against Duke Blue Devils forward Wendell Moore Jr. (0) during the first half in the semifinals of the West regional of the men’s college basketball NCAA Tournament at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2022; San Francisco, CA, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (1) dribbles the ball against Duke Blue Devils forward Wendell Moore Jr. (0) during the first half in the semifinals of the West regional of the men’s college basketball NCAA Tournament at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2 Guard

Starter: Terrence Shannon Jr. (SR)

The talented class of 2021 that Illinois brought in last season is going to have to wait one more year to become the starters for the Orange and Blue. Brad Underwood was able to land one of the best transfer classes in the country this offseason. Terrence Shannon Jr. leads the way for that transfer class.

In his final season with Texas Tech, the Illinois native put up 10.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. Shannon also hit 38.4% of his three-point attempts. As a really good three-point shooter, I think he comes in and starts at the No. 2 guard spot. I expect Shannon to light up the scoreboard night in and night out.

Backup: Luke Goode (SO)

What is amazing for the Illinois basketball team is the fact we can have a player like Luke Goode in the second rotation. Goode could start for the vast majority of programs in the country, but the Fort Wayne talent is ready to make an impact for the Illini off the bench.

I see Goode as a primary backup at the No. 2 spot this season. When his junior year rolls around, he will start in this position, but he is extremely valuable as one of the first players off the bench for the Illini. I see Goode building on his 2.0 points and 1.8 rebounds per game from last season.

Backup: Sencire Harris (FR)

The freshman class that is coming in has some amazing talent. Sencire Harris isn’t talked about enough as the other players have overshadowed him. But it wouldn’t shock me to see Harris become one of the best players from the class of 2022.

I have Harris as a deep rotation guy as a freshman. He should get playing time at one of the guard spots, but for now, he is a second backup at the No. 2 spot. As one of the best players in the state of Ohio, and a two-time state champ, I think Harris is going to be a special player for Orange and Blue.

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