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Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup for 2023-24 after the Spain trip

By Rees Woodcock

Jan 31, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Coleman Hawkins (33) and teammate Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) celebrate during the second half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 31, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Coleman Hawkins (33) and teammate Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) celebrate during the second half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 9, 2023; Chicago, IL, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions guard Jalen Pickett (22) is defended by Illinois Fighting Illini guard Luke Goode (10) during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2023; Chicago, IL, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions guard Jalen Pickett (22) is defended by Illinois Fighting Illini guard Luke Goode (10) during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3 Guard/Forward

Starter: Luke Goode

I think it is pretty evident by what we saw during the Spain trip, and what we knew from last season, that Illinois isn’t a good shooting team. We struggle greatly from anywhere outside of 10 feet, and this could bite us during the 2023-24 campaign. One of the bright lights for the program when it comes to shooting is Luke Goode.

Goode is our main three-point shooter who should be able to put up around 10 points per game. He isn’t just a talented shooter, though. Goode’s defense is also impressive. He has great fundamentals when it comes to the defensive end of the court, and it is a joy to watch. I have Goode starting at the No. 3 guard/forward spot on the court. This will help give Illinois a shot in the arm on offense, especially when we are in the half-court.

Backup: Sencire Harris

I believe Sencire Harris is a very unique player. The best thing that Harris brings to the court is his tremendous defense. I have him as the primary backup at the No. 3 guard/forward spot, and when he comes into games, opposing teams are going to be shut down.

There is a solid offensive player bubbling underneath that impressive defensive ability too. I think Harris’ ability to get to the rim and score around the hoop is going to help Illinois a lot this season. It kills me to not put Harris in the starting lineup, but Illinois has too much talent. I think Harris still makes a big impact and will probably see time at the No. 2 and No. 3 spots this season.

Backup: Marcus Domask

Illinois fans didn’t get to see Marcus Domask this summer due to injury. He put up some impressive numbers for Southern Illinois, averaging 16.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game last season. For now, I have him as the second backup at the No. 3 guard/forward spot. I think, when healthy, Domask could help Illinois on the wing this season. He shot 34.8% from three-point range in his last season with the Salukis. Hopefully, he can be a sparkplug off the bench for the Illini.

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