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Illinois Basketball: Illini starting 2023-24 in the preseason AP Top 25

By Rees Woodcock

Mar 2, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts to the Illinois fighting Illini fans before the start of Thursday’s game with the Michigan Wolverines at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts to the Illinois fighting Illini fans before the start of Thursday’s game with the Michigan Wolverines at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Illinois basketball has their first scrimmage this weekend, and it looks like we are opening up the season in the top 25.

The hiring of Brad Underwood has proved to be a great move for the Illini. After a rough start to his time in Champaign, Underwood has directed the ship in the right direction. Illinois would have made the 2020 NCAA tournament if it wasn’t for COVID-19. After that, we have seen three straight postseason appearances.

Illinois has also been ranked at some point in the last four seasons, and we have finished the season ranked in three out of the last four campaigns. This program is once again toward the top of the college basketball world.

The 2023-24 season shouldn’t be any different. With a loaded roster, the Illini look to once again head to the Big Dance and finish the season ranked. At the very minimum, we are starting the season ranked at least.

On Monday, the preseason AP Top 25 poll was released. Illinois checks in as the No. 25 team in the nation.

Illinois basketball being ranked No. 25 in the preseason AP Top 25 poll is about right

With the way the Illini ended the 2022-23 campaign, there was a lot left to be desired. This program had talent, but we just couldn’t put it together.

Most of that talent is returning this season. Terrence Shannon Jr. and Coleman Hawkins back in the fold will give Illinois two legit NBA-caliber players on the roster. We then added other crucial pieces.

I think Marcus Domask is going to give Illinois versatility on the wing. He can knock down shots but also stands at 6-foot-6. Justin Harmon is a bucket-getter too. I am excited to see the depth Quincy Guerrier brings to the Illinois frontcourt. He is one of the four fifth-year seniors on the team.

Illinois is loaded with talent entering the 2023-24 campaign, and the fact we are the No. 25 team in the country is exciting. It is the fourth straight season the Illini have been ranked in the preseason AP Top 25 poll.

Look for a big year out of the Orange and Blue There are plenty of opportunities to move up in the rankings. This should be a great season for this program.

Next. Projected Illini lineup entering 2023-24 exhibition games. dark

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