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Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup after the Jayden Epps departure

By Rees Woodcock

Jan 24, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Ty Rodgers (20) grabs a rebound during the second half against the Ohio State Buckeyes at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Ty Rodgers (20) grabs a rebound during the second half against the Ohio State Buckeyes at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 09: Sencire Harris #1 of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts after scoring in the first half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at United Center on March 09, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

I thought the future was set for the Illinois basketball program, but the transfer portal has struck in Champaign.

On Tuesday, it was announced that Illini guard Jayden Epps was entering the transfer portal. He played one season with Illinois and averaged 9.5 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. Epps is now packing his bags and quitting on the Illini.

Epps is now gone, and this leaves another hole in the Illinois roster. What would the potential roster look like after the Epps departure?

Here is the projected Illinois basketball lineup after the Jayden Epps departure

No. 1 Guard

Starter: Sencire Harris (SO)

With Jayden Epps out of the picture, Illinois is going to need someone who has handled the basketball. We need someone who knows the system well and can play at a high level while on the court. That someone should be Sencire Harris.

I know many people are going to scoff at the notion that Harris should start at the traditional point guard role, but I think this is where he would shine in the current rendition of the Illinois roster. Harris isn’t looked to for shooting right now, but he is extremely quick. I would argue he is always the fastest player on the court. Having someone who can fly up and down the court with the ball is intriguing. Harris also brings a lot of energy to the table. He could get the Illinois offense going. Also, his defense speaks for itself.

Backup: Niccolo Moretti (FR)

Niccolo Moretti is the guard who many fans will probably want starting, but I don’t think you can give him the keys from day one. There are some encouraging things about Moretti, though.

I love that Moretti is already acclimated to the Illinois roster. He joined the program in the last couple of months and has been practicing. This will only help him for his first season with the Illini. I also love Moretti’s handles. He is good with the ball, and that is an exciting fact. A one-two punch at point guard of Harris and Moretti is solid.

Backup: Scholarship #1

Brad Underwood needs to continue looking for help at point guard. Landing someone in the transfer portal would be great for the program. My wish is Kerr Kriisa, but I don’t think that is going to happen. A solid point guard addition would help free up the roster tremendously.

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