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Illinois Basketball: 5 burning questions for the Illini against Ottawa

By Rees Woodcock

Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood looks down court during the NCAA men’s basketball game against the Purdue Boilermakers, Sunday, March 5, 2023, at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Ind.Purillini030523 Am6869
Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood looks down court during the NCAA men’s basketball game against the Purdue Boilermakers, Sunday, March 5, 2023, at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Ind.Purillini030523 Am6869 /
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 09: Sencire Harris #1 of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts after scoring in the first half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at United Center on March 09, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

4. Which Illinois player is first off the bench

This slide is kind of piggybacking off the previous slide. There is just so much depth with the Illinois basketball team, and I am curious who is the first off the bench.

In the past, Brad Underwood has subbed in multiple Illinois players in the first five minutes. This has driven me crazy in the past because I want the starters to gel. But I think it might be okay in this situation because Illinois has so much talent.

I mentioned the starters of No. 1 Ty Rodgers, No. 2 Terrence Shannon Jr., No. 4 Coleman Hawkins, and No. 5 Dain Dainja in the previous slide. I think Luke Goode is going to end up being in that No. 3 spot in the starting lineup.

So, that leaves Marcus Domask (5th), Justin Harmon (5th), Quincy Guerrier (5th), Sencire Harris (SO), Niccolo Moretti (FR), Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (FR), and Amani Hansberry (FR) coming off the bench.

I believe there is a chance that Illinois subs in at least two players and maybe even three by the five-minute mark. I think Domask, Guerrier, and possibly Harris are the first players off the bench on Friday night. Harmon, Moretti, and Hansberry will soon follow.

Honestly, Illinois’ second rotation could probably compete in the Big Ten. It is really impressive what we have talent-wise this season. Having the players I mentioned the first ones off the bench would be huge. Let’s see what Underwood decides to do against Ottawa.

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