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.