Projected Illinois basketball lineup with the addition of Kylan Boswell

No. 2 Guard

Starter: Luke Goode (SR)

With Boswell at the No. 1 guard spot, I think Illinois could end up having one of the best shooting duos in the college game if Luke Goode starts at the No. 2 guard spot. I have Goode slotted in this role, as he is the best shooter on the Illinois basketball team.

In 2023-24, Goode registered 20.1 minutes per game, and his shooting numbers remained strong. He averaged 5.7 points and 3.6 rebounds per contest while shooting 38.9% from three-point range. Just think about that for a second. Illinois’ No. 1 and No. 2 starting guards shot 37.9% and 38.9% from three-point range last season, respectively. That is exciting basketball. On top of that, Goode has the hustle and defensive ability that makes him an incredibly intriguing NBA prospect.

Backup: Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (SO)

I believe Illinois has some depth at the No. 2 guard spot. The backup entering next season is likely to be a timeshare between Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn and Sencire Harris. I have Gibbs-Lawhorn as the primary backup for the sake of this article, though.

Gibbs-Lawhorn played last season and had a lot of bounce as a freshman. He only registered 7.1 minutes per game, but he was electric in his time on the court. I think if you give Gibbs-Lawhorn a little more time on the court, he is going to wow some people. This offseason should be about developing his shot and defensive ability.

Backup: Sencire Harris (SO)

Getting Sencire Harris back is big for Brad Underwood. I believe Harris is going to share time with Gibbs-Lawhorn on the second unit.

Harris’ defensive prowess is what is going to help Illinois the most. We missed his defensive ability last season, but Harris is now back and ready to lock some players down. I look forward to seeing what he can bring and how much he has changed over the last year.