Projected Illinois basketball lineup with the addition of Tre White

No. 5 Center/Forward

Starter: Morez Johnson Jr. (FR)

Brad Underwood isn’t bringing in a top-35 recruit from the class of 2024 to have him ride the pine. Someone of that caliber has to start, and that is what I am going to do with Morez Johnson Jr. I have him coming in as a freshman and starting at the No. 5 spot.

With Dain Dainja now departing, this opens the lane for Morez to have a big season. He is going to get the playing time at this position, as Illinois doesn’t have much in the way of a backup. Morez averaged 17.2 points, 14.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 3.4 blocks, and 2.5 steals per game as a senior in high school. Look for him to be in contention for Big Ten Freshman of the Year and potentially a spot on the All-Big Ten team.

Backup: Jason Jakstys (FR)

Entering the 2024-25 campaign, Illinois is a little light in the frontcourt. I want more experienced depth, but for now, I think Jason Jakstys is the primary backup at the No. 5 spot.

Jakstys has potential, but he isn’t ready for Big Ten play yet. He shouldn’t get too many minutes, as Morez will eat up a lot of playing time, and it is likely Amani Hansberry could see some time in the No. 5 spot as well. Down the road, I believe Jakstys could be a nice piece for the Illini. I just don’t see him playing much as a true freshman.

Backup: Scholarship #3

I want to use the first two scholarships on the backcourt. Getting talented guards who can distribute and score is important. I think Illinois needs to land one more depth piece for the frontcourt, though. The player I am eyeing is Carey Booth. The 6-foot-10 former top-60 recruit is looking for a new home. He averaged 6.4 points and 4.3 rebounds with Notre Dame last season. I think he would be a perfect fit to be the primary backup behind Morez in 2024-25. Booth would give Illinois more length and experience.