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Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup with Terrence Shannon Jr. and Coleman Hawkins returning

By Rees Woodcock

Mar 15, 2023; Des Moines, IA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) smiles as forward Coleman Hawkins (left) looks on during the press conference before their opening round game of the NCAA tournament in Des Moines at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 15, 2023; Des Moines, IA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) smiles as forward Coleman Hawkins (left) looks on during the press conference before their opening round game of the NCAA tournament in Des Moines at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 16, 2023; Des Moines, IA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Ty Rodgers (20) dunks against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the first half at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2023; Des Moines, IA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Ty Rodgers (20) dunks against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the first half at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3 Guard/Forward

Starter: Ty Rodgers (SO)

A player that a lot of Illinois fans were expecting to transfer out of the program was Ty Rodgers. There were rumors swirly, but Rodgers decided to stick with the program and it means the world to this team. I think Rodgers comes back and has a great season in Champaign.

I have Rodgers starting at the No. 3 spot in the Illinois lineup. He continued to improve throughout his freshman season, and in the final nine games of the 2022-23 campaign, he averaged 24.2 minutes per game off the bench. It is time to move him into the starting role and let him blossom. Rodgers has a chance to be the best player on the roster next season.

Backup: Justin Harmon (SR)

Another talented transfer Illinois was able to pull in this offseason is Justin Harmon. He is coming in after spending two successful years with Utah Valley. The Illini will be getting a talented scorer and someone who can do a little bit of everything on the court.

Harmon averaged 14.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.3 steals per game last season with the Wolverines. I think he comes into the Illinois program and still puts up decent numbers as a primary backup at the No. 3 spot. Harmon can float around, though. I have him subbing in from the No. 2 or No. 3 spots. He will provide quality depth to the Illinois roster.

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