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Projected Illinois basketball lineup with the addition of Keaton Wagler

The class of 2025 has a new member, as the Illinois basketball team added a quality guard to the roster for the future.

By Rees Woodcock

Mar 23, 2024; Omaha, NE, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood gestures after the game against the Duquesne Dukes in the second round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at CHI Health Center Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
Mar 23, 2024; Omaha, NE, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood gestures after the game against the Duquesne Dukes in the second round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at CHI Health Center Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images / Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
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No. 4 Forward

Starter: Carey Booth (JR)

Even though Illinois is bringing in a lot of transfer portal talent this season, I will still need to see some of these players develop and progress throughout their first year with the program. One of those players is Carey Booth.

Booth transferred in from Notre Dame after he averaged 6.4 points and 4.3 rebounds as a freshman. He was a huge addition to the Illinois frontcourt, but I don’t see Booth starting this upcoming season. I see him being a big reserve and developing. By the 2025-26 campaign, I then see him starting at the No. 4 spot for the Orange and Blue.

Backup: Jason Jakstys (R-FR)

Another player I want to see develop over the upcoming season is Jason Jakstys. I could legitimately see Jakstys taking a redshirt as a freshman and then returning in 2025-26 as a more developed redshirt freshman.

The development of Jakstys is going to be crucial for the Illinois frontcourt. I could see him being a primary backup at the No. 4 spot with the way the roster is constructed. Jakstys has good touch from just about anywhere on the court. At 6-foot-10, he would be a matchup nightmare for opposing teams too. I like Jakstys in this role for 2025-26.

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