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Illinois Basketball: Best Illini lineup after the Skyy Clark departure

By Rees Woodcock

Dec 2, 2022; College Park, Maryland, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts during the second half against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 2, 2022; College Park, Maryland, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts during the second half against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Illinois basketball
Dec 29, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Sencire Harris (1) drives the ball around Bethune-Cookman Wildcats center Dylan Robertson (22) during the first half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2 Guard

Starter: Sencire Harris

This lineup is going to look a little different. Some people might not agree with me, but this is a chance for Brad Underwood and the Illinois coaching staff to really shake things up. That is why I want to see Sencire Harris starting at the No. 2 guard spot.

Harris doesn’t necessarily fit the No. 2 guard role, but he is developing into a great player. This season, he is averaging 14.1 minutes per game and is putting up 4.6 points, 2.1 rebounds, 0.9 assists, and 0.9 steals in that time.

The three-point shooting ability of Harris is starting to sneak up on some people as well. He is now up to 25 three-pointers on the season and is hitting them at a clip of 36%, which is No. 2 next to Matthew Mayer who is at 36.2%.

I would say Harris has two huge things going for him as a starter. The first thing is his defense. He has been the best defender on the floor for Illinois this season. Harris is quick with his movements, and he has some of the best hands in the Big Ten.

Secondly, much like Jayden Epps, Harris brings energy to the court. Illinois has been missing energy this season. When the current Illini freshmen hit the floor, things seem to pick up a bit. That is why I want to see these guys starting. I think Harris would make a good one-two punch with Epps at the No. 2 guard spot.

Backup: N/A

As of right now, there isn’t a backup to Harris. This is a position that a few players could rotate in and out of for the rest of the season. Luke Goode is going to have something to say about playing time at the No. 2 spot when he gets healthy as well. But, for now, there really isn’t a backup. I would say Terrence Shannon Jr. and Ty Rodgers would most likely take over when Harris needs a rest.

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