Illinois basketball has added to the family, as Jase Butler decided to end his recruitment on Wednesday afternoon.
The Illini have been pursuing Butler for quite some time. The three-star guard has all of the potential in the world, and now Brad Underwood and the Illinois coaching staff get a chance to mold this kid into a superstar in the Big Ten.
With any commitment comes a change to the potential starting lineup, though. This is exciting if you are an Illinois fan because you get to see what the team might look like in the future.
Here is the projected Illinois basketball lineup after the Jase Butler commitment
No. 1 Guard
- Starter: Ty Rodgers (JR)
Entering the 2023-24 campaign, I believe Ty Rodgers is going to be in the role of the traditional starting point guard. While this might not be his natural position, Rodgers can do everything on the basketball court. That is why I continue having him as the No. 1 guard when the 2024-25 campaign rolls around.
As a freshman, Rodgers averaged 3.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per contest. He only played 17.5 minutes per night, though. With him moving to the point, look for Rodgers to have a better sophomore season. His development this upcoming campaign is going to lay the groundwork for a sensational junior year in 2024.
- Backup: Niccolo Moretti (SO)
If Rodgers wasn’t such a good player, I would have Niccolo Moretti starting at the No. 1 guard spot. With the way the transfer portal works out, who knows, maybe Illinois has to move Rodgers to a different position in the future. Either way, we have a great point guard in Moretti waiting in the wings.
Moretti joined the Illini last season but didn’t see action. He is entering this upcoming campaign as a redshirt freshman. During the offseason in Spain, Moretti shined for the Illini. I look for him to be a great tool off the bench this year and in 2024. Moretti has All-Big Ten potential.