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

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Mar 16, 2023; Des Moines, IA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Makhi Mitchell (15) battles for the ball against Illinois Fighting Illini guard Luke Goode (10) during the first half at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3 Guard/Forward

Starter: Luke Goode (JR)

I honestly believe this is the biggest competition on the court. Heading into the exhibition season, I have Luke Goode taking the starting No. 3 spot. He is now a junior and is finally ready to show the world his talent now that he is healthy.

Goode only played in 10 games last season due to injury. When he did finally see the court, he was a big-time scorer for the program. Goode dropped 10 points and three rebounds in a close loss at No. 5 Purdue. He also had six points, four rebounds, one steal, and one assist in the NCAA tournament game. I think Goode is poised for a big year. I fully expect him to be around 40% from three-point range and to average nearly double-digit points in 2023-24.

Backup: Marcus Domask (5th YR)

Coming out of the trip to Spain, I didn’t think there would be much competition from Marcus Domask for a starting spot. He didn’t play due to health, but he has since gotten healthy.

Domask has impressed a lot of people over the past month or so, and I think he is going to be a big piece for the Illini this season. In the final season with Southern Illinois, Domask averaged 16.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.0 steals per game. He also hit 34.8% from three-point range. I think Domask is going to end up pushing Goode for the starting job but entering the exhibition season, I have him as the primary backup at the No. 3 spot.

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