No. 2 Guard
Starter: Luke Goode (SR)
For right now, and there is a lot of transfer portal time left, I have Luke Goode coming into his senior season and being one of the leaders of the Illinois basketball program. The only time he has had a chance to start in his career was when Terrence Shannon Jr. was suspended, but I think 2024-25 is Goode’s year to shine.
Goode has continually increased his numbers in the three seasons with Illinois. He averaged 5.7 points and 3.6 rebounds per game this past season while playing in 38 games. Goode also shot 38.9% from three-point range, which is insane considering he took 157 three-point attempts. As of right now, I have Goode starting at the No. 2 spot for the Illini.
Backup: Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (SO)
I believe Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn is in the same boat as Niccolo Moretti. The talent is there and the future is so bright, but they might have to wait one more season before being a starter. I think Gibbs-Lawhorn has an extremely bright future, though.
During his freshman season, Gibbs-Lawhorn played in 28 games and averaged 7.1 minutes per contest. He registered 2.4 points per game as well. It is hard to quantify what Gibbs-Lawhorn brings to the court. He is someone who can rally the team and be an energy booster. If Illinois is starting to get stagnant, Gibbs-Lawhorn can light a fire. I like him on this team, and entering next season, he should be the primary backup at the No. 2 spot.
Backup: Transfer Portal (Dante Maddox Jr.)
There is a lot of potential for the Illinois basketball team in the transfer portal. With four scholarships open, Illinois could use one on a knockdown shooter. The player I have my eyes set on is Dante Maddox Jr.
Maddox has his list narrowed to five programs, and he already took a visit to Illinois. He shot over 40% from three-point range in each of the past two seasons, and I want that on the Illini roster. Maddox would be a great addition with one of the remaining scholarships.