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Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup with Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn

ByRees Woodcock|
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 20: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini draws a play in the first half of the game against the Houston Cougars during the second round of the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 20, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 20: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini draws a play in the first half of the game against the Houston Cougars during the second round of the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 20, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/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

Illinois still could have some solid veteran leadership when the 2023-24 season rolls around. One of the veterans on the team could be Luke Goode. His shooting ability is phenomenal, but his locker room and court presence will be invaluable on a young team.

Goode is going to end up being one of the best shooters in program history when his career is finished. I think he ends up playing in the NBA as well. I don’t have Goode starting as a sophomore this upcoming season, but he will get the reins as a junior for the Orange and Blue at the No. 2 guard spot.

Backup: Jayden Epps

As mentioned in the previous slide, I have Jayden Epps moving from the backup point guard role to the backup at the No. 2 guard spot. This is where he is best suited, in my opinion.

Epps is born to put the ball in the hoop. He can shoot from anywhere on the court and will be a nice change of pace from what Goode will bring to the Illinois lineup. Look for Epps to still get a ton of minutes as a primary backup to Goode at the No. 2 guard spot.

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