Early projected Illinois basketball lineup for the 2024-25 season
Now that the Illinois basketball season has concluded, it is time to look at what the 2024-25 roster might look like.
The Illini coaching staff now dives head first into the transfer portal, as numerous Illinois players are departing the program in some form. We need to replace a lot of minutes on the roster, so this offseason will be important.
Thankfully, Brad Underwood was able to land a great class of 2024. Those three players coming in will help a lot. We also have some good players returning, and maybe even a shocking veteran coming back for another go-around.
Here is the early projected Illinois basketball lineup for the 2024-25 season
No. 1 Guard
Starter: Ty Rodgers (JR)
If there are no transfers out of the Illinois basketball program, we will get some good talent back next season. Since Ty Rodgers started for the Illini at point guard in 2023-24, I assume that is where Brad Underwood would slot him for the 2024-25 season as well.
I believe there are some better options to start at point guard, but you need Rodgers on the court, and Illinois has too much talent in the frontcourt to put Rodgers there. This past season, he averaged 6.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. Rodgers is a freak athlete who can rebound like a 7-foot-2 big man. He is also starting to come around on his distribution abilities. I look for him to have a good summer and to really bring his game along.
Backup: Niccolo Moretti (SO)
The truest point guard on the Illinois basketball team entering the 2024-25 campaign is Niccolo Moretti. We got glimpses of this Italian sensation last season, and I loved what he brought to the court.
Moretti has great energy and is someone who can create for others. There is also a possibility he is a good offensive player too. Beyond his passing ability, Moretti was 2-of-3 from three-point range this season, so there is potential. But we don’t have a big sample size. I think Moretti sees a huge minutes increase as a sophomore next season.
The season didn't end as we hoped but you can still win with FanDuel Sportsbook's $200 sign-up bonus! New users who bet $5 or more (with a $10 deposit) with their first wager will get an extra $200 in bonus bets if the wager wins. Click here to sign up for FanDuel now!