Projected Illinois basketball lineup after Luke Goode entered the transfer portal

No. 5 Center/Forward

Starter: Morez Johnson Jr. (FR)

Brad Underwood did a great job landing star big man Morez Johnson Jr. from the class of 2024. Johnson is a consensus top-40 recruit, and he is going to be a monster in his first season with the program.

Johnson finished his final season in the high school ranks averaging 17.2 points, 14.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 3.4 blocks, and 2.5 steals per game. This kid did everything on the court well, and he isn’t a lumbering big man. Johnson can move and is an athletic freak. He is going to be starting at the No. 5 spot for the Illini in 2024-25.

Backup: Jason Jakstys (FR)

As of right now, I have Jason Jakstys as the primary backup at the No. 5 spot. Honestly, it is likely that Underwood redshirts Jakstys and develops him throughout the season. In this position, I have Carey Booth as the primary backup at both the No. 4 and No. 5 spots.

Backup: Transfer Portal

Illinois has four scholarships to play with, and adding another big man to the frontcourt is ideal. We need someone who can run the floor well and be a force for the Illini. There are plenty of options out there, and I am not picky on who Illinois lands in this role.