Projected Illinois basketball lineup after adding Jake Davis and losing Dain Dainja

No. 5 Forward/Center

Starter: Morez Johnson Jr. (FR)

The Illini have had great recruits come through the program, and Morez Johnson Jr. is up there with the best we have snagged in the last 20 years. He is coming into the program after averaging 17.2 points, 14.1 rebounds, 3.4 blocks, and 2.5 steals per game as a senior in high school.

Brad Underwood doesn’t start many freshmen, but when they are top 50 recruits in their respective classes, he has always started them. That is why I believe Morez will start this upcoming season. It is also why I believe Dain Dainja transferred. The writing is on the wall of Morez starting, which means Dainja wasn’t going to start. I think Morez is about to have a big freshman campaign and will be a huge asset to this team.

Backup: Jason Jakstys (FR)

With Dainja departing, this leaves a potential role for Jason Jakstys. He is coming in with Morez and Jase Butler from the class of 2024. Jakstys is the lowest-rated recruit among the three, but he has the potential to be solid.

I see Jakstys coming in and playing 5-8 minutes per game during the 2024-25 season. He will probably play the minutes that Hansberry played this past season. Look for Jakstys to get some quality minutes early in the non-conference and then his timeshare to dwindle once we get into Big Ten play. He will be a solid piece in the future, though.

Backup: Transfer Portal Player (someone who can stretch the floor)

Illinois has two scholarships available as of right now. I used one on the No. 4 spot to get a nice player who can shoot from anywhere on the court. I would like to use the second scholarship on a transfer portal player who can stretch the floor at the No. 5 spot. This player would be a primary backup to Morez. I don't want Jakstys to be forced into action. Give me someone who can come in with the second unit and hit three-pointers. This would be optimal.