Projected Illinois basketball lineup after Niccolo Moretti enters the transfer portal

The transfer portal struck again with Niccolo Moretti departing. This departure now changes the Illinois basketball lineup.
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Illinois v Wisconsin / John Fisher/GettyImages
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No. 5 Center/Forward

Starter: Morez Johnson Jr. (FR)

I am excited about the addition of Morez Johnson Jr. This kid proved he was the real deal throughout his high school career, and he is now going to get a chance to prove his talent early on at Illinois.

I have Johnson starting at the No. 5 spot. He is too good of a player not to start. Johnson should be able to come in and give Illinois the more traditional big-man presence we have been missing. I think Johnson can stretch the floor a bit too. His three-point shooting is sneaky good. Look for Johnson to have a big freshman campaign for the Illini.

Backup: Jason Jakstys (FR)

While I have Jason Jakstys as the backup at the No. 5 spot, I still have a hard time seeing Brad Underwood throwing this kid to the wolves early on. I think it is more likely that Carey Booth will play the primary backup at the No. 4 and No. 5 spots. Look for Jakstys to redshirt in year one.

Backup: Transfer Portal

The last of the five scholarships remaining should go to a primary backup big man. I think there is a chance Booth ends up starting at the No. 4 spot due to some additions to the roster, so having a backup at the No. 5 who can help spell minutes for Johnson is important.

Next. Top 10 most painful Illinois basketball transfer portal departures of all time. Top 10 most painful Illinois basketball transfer portal departures of all time. dark