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Illinois Basketball: Projected 2024-25 Illini lineup after the Mikey Lewis miss

By Rees Woodcock

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 09: Head Basketball Coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini watches a play during the second half of a Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament Second Round game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at United Center on March 09, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. The Penn State Nittany Lions won the game 79-76 over the Illinois Fighting Illini. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 09: Head Basketball Coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini watches a play during the second half of a Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament Second Round game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at United Center on March 09, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. The Penn State Nittany Lions won the game 79-76 over the Illinois Fighting Illini. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images) /
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Mar 9, 2023; Chicago, IL, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions guard Jalen Pickett (22) is defended by Illinois Fighting Illini guard Luke Goode (10) during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2023; Chicago, IL, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions guard Jalen Pickett (22) is defended by Illinois Fighting Illini guard Luke Goode (10) during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2 Guard

Starter: Luke Goode (SR)

I try to be as transparent and honest as possible with these predictions. I have Luke Goode returning for his senior year at Illinois, and honestly, he is one of the few perimeter scoring threats this lineup is going to have in 2024-25. I am worried about where the scoring will come from, and that is why a player like Mikey Lewis would have helped tremendously.

Goode should be starting at the No. 2 guard spot for the Illini in 2024-25. He has great touch from the outside, and his defense is extremely underrated. I can’t wait to see what a full season of Goode looks like now that he is healthy. It wouldn’t shock me to see him earn a spot on one of the All-Big Ten teams this year. I think Goode is the complete package.

Backup: Jase Butler (FR)

The first true freshman I get to on the projected starting lineup for 2024-25 is Jase Butler. He is the most recent commitment for the Illini, as Butler pledged back on October 4.

I have the rising three-star recruit checking in as the primary backup at the No. 2 guard spot. I think a player like Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn will probably play more minutes in this role, but he is going to rotate at various positions. I still think Butler sees 7-12 minutes per game, though. This kid has the ability to light up the scoreboard on any given night. His development early in the season against the bad teams will help Illinois tremendously late in the season.

Backup: Transfer #1

The No. 2 guard spot would be a great time to use one of the three scholarships that Illinois has open for a transfer. It would be nice to get a microwave player like Marcus Domask in here for one season. This transfer would be the primary backup and take pressure off Butler. He would also enable Butler to play a little and take a redshirt.

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