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Projected 2025-26 Illinois basketball lineup without Jeremiah Fears

Illinois basketball lost a four-star point guard on Monday, and this forces the projected Illini lineup for 2025-26 to change

By Rees Woodcock

Mar 23, 2024; Omaha, NE, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood leads a team huddle during the second half against the Duquesne Dukes in the second round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at CHI Health Center Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2024; Omaha, NE, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood leads a team huddle during the second half against the Duquesne Dukes in the second round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at CHI Health Center Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports / Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports
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No. 4 Forward

Starter: Carey Booth (JR)

The early ESPN mock draft has the Illinois lineup looking a bit thin in the frontcourt. But this would give an opportunity for Carey Booth to show off his enormous talent.

Booth transferred in from Notre Dame this offseason. He spent his freshman season in South Bend, and he averaged 6.4 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. I see Booth as a big-time contributor as a backup to Will Riley this upcoming season. I think these two will dominate the No. 4 spot. In 2025-26, Booth will be a junior, and he should be starting at this position. I am excited to see how he can develop.

Backup: Jason Jakstys (FR)

I have Jason Jakstys as a backup for every projected Illinois basketball lineup at the No. 5 spot. When I lay out what the roster could look like in 2025-26, I think moving him into a forward role would be wise.

Jakstys should take a redshirt as a freshman this upcoming season. That will enable him to develop more physically and on the court. By his sophomore season, I could see him being a solid backup to Booth. Jakstys is athletic and can move well for his size. Illinois would be able to use him to spell some minutes on the court. I think there could be a future with Jakstys in the fold.

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