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Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup in 2024-25 with Jase Butler

By Rees Woodcock

Jan 10, 2023; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood looks down the bench during the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the second half at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2023; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood looks down the bench during the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the second half at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 9, 2023; Chicago, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Dain Dainja (42) celebrates after scoring against Penn State Nittany Lions guard Myles Dread (2) during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2023; Chicago, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Dain Dainja (42) celebrates after scoring against Penn State Nittany Lions guard Myles Dread (2) during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5 Forward/Center

  • Starter: Dain Dainja (SR)

By the time the 2024-25 campaign gets here, Dain Dainja will be a senior. He has developed his game in the last couple of seasons, and I expect him to be a monster for the Illini this upcoming campaign. I believe Dainja will start at the No. 5 spot for the next two years he is in Champaign.

Last season, Dainja averaged 9.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per contest. He has great touch around the hoop, but his free throw shooting is bad. This will set him back greatly. I would also like his rebounding to be a little better. I think there is some great athletic ability within Dainja, and he has two more years to show the country his talent.

  • Backup: Jason Jakstys (FR)

Illinois might have landed a diamond in the rough just a few months ago. Jason Jakstys committed to the Illini back in July, and at the time, he was ranked sub-200 in the class of 2024. Since then, his ranking has skyrocketed, working its way up to No. 110 in the country.

Jakstys is a nice big body at 6-foot-10. He can play the No. 4 or No. 5 spots on the court, but I have him backing up Dainja for the 2024-25 season. I love how Jakstys can stretch the floor and cause mismatches. He has a ton of potential. Look for Jakstys to continue developing in the final year of high school.

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