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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. 5 Center

Starter: Morez Johnson Jr. (SO)

There are great players who have come through the Illinois basketball program. When his time in Champaign is done, I think Morez Johnson Jr. could end up being one of those legendary talents.

Johnson isn’t projected to go in the 2025 NBA Draft, but he has great big-man ability and can do some damage on the offensive end of the court. Johnson is a freak athlete who is a bit undersized height-wise, but he makes up for it with great length and defensive prowess. I believe Johnson will start every season he is in Champaign.

Backup: Tomislav Ivisic (SO)

A wildcard for the Illinois basketball program is Tomislav Ivisic. He is a big man from Croatia who finished as the No. 93 player in the class of 2024. Illinois was able to land Ivisic, and I think he is going to be a great one-two punch with Johnson starting this season.

I have Ivisic as the primary backup at the No. 5 spot in 2025-26 as well. He is someone who will still get 20 or more minutes despite being a backup. I see Ivisic not only spelling minutes for Johnson but he and Johnson could be on the court at the same time. Illinois has a great frontcourt, and it is going to be must-watch television.

Next. Keaton Wagler gives Illinois basketball a Swiss Army Knife. Keaton Wagler gives Illinois basketball a Swiss Army Knife. dark

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