Early projected Illinois basketball lineup for the 2024-25 season

Now that the Illinois basketball season is over, it is time to look at what lies ahead for the Orange and Blue roster in 2024-25.

Jan 5, 2024; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (2)
Jan 5, 2024; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (2) | Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
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No. 3 Guard

Starter: Luke Goode (SR)

I believe in 2024-25, Luke Goode will finally get his shot at the starting job. He is someone who has won over a lot of Illinois fans throughout the years, and he will be a great option on the wing.

Goode had a great junior campaign. He averaged 5.7 points and 3.6 rebounds per game while shooting 38.9% from three-point range. Goode will always be looked at as a sharpshooter, but I would argue his hustle and rebounding ability stand out too. He is someone who has a high motor and is a great team guy. I think Goode has earned the starting job at the No. 3 guard spot.

Backup: Sencire Harris (SO)

This past season, Sencire Harris did a smart thing by taking a redshirt. He saved a year of eligibility as there was so much talent on the team. He wouldn’t have played a lot, and that would have just essentially wasted an entire season.

Heading into the 2024-25 campaign, I think Harris will be a huge piece of the puzzle. He is someone who can come off the bench and lock opponents down. As a freshman in 2022-23, Harris averaged 3.7 points and 2.1 rebounds per game and played 14.5 minutes per night. I see his numbers getting a boost, and he should be somewhere around 18 minutes per game next season. I have Harris as the primary backup at the No. 3 guard spot.

Backup: Transfer Portal Addition (Need Shooter)

With the roster Illinois has right now and the newcomers from the freshman class, I believe we have two scholarships available. I want to use one of those scholarships at the No. 3 guard spot. I would love to get another player who is around 6-foot-6 into the program. This player needs to be able to shoot the ball. Illinois needs more scoring weapons for next season.

Schedule