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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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Matthew Mayer celebrates a successful 3-pointer during Baylor’s victory at Oklahoma in January.Syndication The Oklahoman /

No. 4 Forward

Starter: Matthew Mayer (SR)

Terrence Shannon Jr. was the main name in the transfer class Brad Underwood was able to land, but a player who has a national title under his belt is Matthew Mayer. He transferred in from Baylor and should start from day one at the No. 4 spot.

If you are looking at efficiency, Mayer didn’t have a great season last year, but he did put up some good numbers. He would finish his final year at Baylor averaging 9.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game. After shooting 39.5% in 2020-21, Mayer dropped his three-point shooting down to 32.4% this past season. I expect that number to increase greatly, though. I am thinking last season was just an outlier. Mayer is a good shooter and should be able to stretch the floor at the No. 4 spot for the Illini.

Backup: Scholarship

I really don’t have a backup for Mayer this upcoming season. I was pegging Zacharie Perrin as the primary backup at the No. 4 spot, but he decided to take a year of prep school before coming to Champaign.

At the end of the day, when Mayer needs rest, I am sure Coleman Hawkins can take over and Dain Dainja would play the No. 5 spot. Illinois will be fine without a primary backup at the No. 4 spot this season. Underwood was also able to land Amani Hansberry for 2023, so that should help solve some depth issues when Mayer departs.

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