Illinois Basketball: How the Illini lineup should look against Northwestern

Bench Rotation

• No. 1 Luke Goode

There are two main players who are going to be the first ones off the bench. Luke Goode is one of those two players.

Goode gives Illinois some type of scoring from the second rotation. He started in the Fairleigh Dickinson game, but I think having Goode as a spark plug rather than a starter at this point might be best for the Orange and Blue. Goode also brings a lot of hustle and energy to the court.

• No. 2 Dain Dainja

Dain Dainja is the second player who should come off the bench. Brad Underwood should fold him into the mix quite often now that we are a man short. Dainja had a great game against the Knights, going for 19 points, six rebounds, and one assist in 16 minutes of action. His production off the bench would be huge for Illinois.

• No. 3 Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn

Underwood is going to need to continue folding Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn into the mix. He is someone who hadn’t received double-digit minutes since November 24. Against Fairleigh Dickinson, he received 14 minutes and put up nine points and four rebounds. He is going to be valuable in the backcourt.

• No. 4 Amani Hansberry

I believe Amani Hansberry should see more time moving forward. While the missing player shouldn’t affect the frontcourt too much, Hansberry can help spell some minutes for the other Illini big men. He is a great young talent who needs time on the court.