Projected Illinois basketball lineup with the addition of Tre White

While the transfer portal is filling up, the Illinois basketball team is plucking out talented players who could help the program win games.
Louisville   s Tre White makes the basket against Georgia Tech Saturday night in the KFC Yum
Louisville s Tre White makes the basket against Georgia Tech Saturday night in the KFC Yum / Scott Utterback/Courier Journal / USA
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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.

Next. New name tops the top five Illinois basketball transfer portal targets. New name tops the top five Illinois basketball transfer portal targets. dark