Illinois Basketball: Early projected Illini lineup for the 2023-24 season

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Mar 16, 2023; Des Moines, IA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Makhi Mitchell (15) battles for the ball against Illinois Fighting Illini guard Luke Goode (10) during the first half at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2 Guard

Starter: Luke Goode (JR)

Could Illinois’ season have been different if we had a fully healthy Luke Goode throughout the year? I think there is a chance we would have won more games and had a higher seeding in the NCAA tournament. This would have led to us winning a game or two, potentially.

Entering the 2023-24 campaign, Goode is going to be good to go and healthy. That means he is going to be starting for the Illini. I have Goode starting at the No. 2 guard spot. When he was finally able to suit up this year, Goode instantly became the best shooter on the team. He was by far the best three-point shooter at 42.1%. The next closest was Matthew Mayer at 33%. I fully expect Goode to have a big year and to become one of the best shooters in the country. Him firing up shots and hustling all over the court is going to be fun to watch.

Backup: Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (FR)

While some people might have a bad taste in their mouths after exiting the NCAA tournament, I think we need to be excited about what is coming in from the class of 2023. A guard who could step in and compete for minutes right away is Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn.

Not only could Gibbs-Lawhorn compete for minutes from day one, I think Illinois is going to need him to step up immediately. He is a four-star recruit who can play multiple guard roles on the team. I think he would be best suited as the primary backup to Goode but look for Gibbs-Lawhorn to sub-in for different players. I am not completely sure who Gibbs-Lawhorn reminds me of at the next level. I do know one thing for sure. This kid is electric. He is going to bring fire to the court, and I am excited.

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