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Illinois Basketball: Projected Illini lineup entering 2023-24 exhibition games

By Rees Woodcock

Mar 16, 2023; Des Moines, IA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) dribbles the ball against Arkansas Razorbacks guard Anthony Black (0) during the first half at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2023; Des Moines, IA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) dribbles the ball against Arkansas Razorbacks guard Anthony Black (0) during the first half at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /
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Illinois basketball
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 /

No. 2 Guard

Starter: Terrence Shannon Jr. (5th YR)

Illinois is loaded heading into the 2023-24 campaign. The fact Terrence Shannon Jr. is back with the program is huge for the Orange and Blue. He pulled his name out of the NBA Draft pool, and I have Shannon coming back as the starting No. 2 guard.

Shannon had career highs of 17.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.3 steals last season. He was electric for the most part. The only issues I had were with him disappearing at times, and the fact he only shot 32.1% from three-point range. With so much talent spread out, I imagine Shannon is going to get better looks in 2023-24. Be prepared for a big year.

Backup: Justin Harmon (5th YR)

The Illini depth this season is going to be incredible. This has been an issue the last couple of seasons, but you don’t have to worry about depth in 2023-24. I have graduate transfer Justin Harmon backing up Shannon at the No. 2 spot. Harmon transferred in from Utah Valley where he averaged 14.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. He also hit 34% of his three-pointers and made 72.9% of his free throws. We needed someone who could come off the bench and give us numbers. Harmon is that guy.

Backup: Sencire Harris (SO)

I am excited to see the development of Sencire Harris from year one to year two. On the trip to Spain, he looked great. I think entering the exhibition season, Harris is probably going to be the No. 3 option at the No. 2 guard spot. Harris was a defensive stopper last season as a freshman. He started to develop his shot a bit, but he was more of an energy guy on the court. I want to get roughly the same production out of Harris this season. He is someone to build around in 2024 and beyond.

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