Projected Illinois basketball lineup with the transfer portal addition of Carey Booth

No. 5 Center/Forward

Starter: Morez Johnson Jr. (FR)

The Illinois frontcourt is going to be absolutely dirty next season. We have so much talent, and Morez Johnson Jr. is going to be one of the players leading that talent.

Even though Johnson will be a freshman, I see him starting from day one. Brad Underwood starts top 50 recruits, and that won’t change in 2024-25. Johnson is a great rebounder and can run the court well. He also has a sneaky good shot. As a freshman, I fully expect Johnson to wow some fans with his polished game. He is the real deal.

Backup: Jason Jakstys (FR)

I have Jason Jakstys as the backup at the No. 5 spot, but I honestly believe he will likely be the second backup. Carey Booth will likely be the primary backup for both the No. 4 and No. 5 spots.

Jaksyts is a good player, but he is going to need some time to develop. He has a good shot, and his 6-foot-10 size is intriguing. Give this kid a few years, and then Illinois can unleash him on the Big Ten.

Backup: Transfer Portal Scholarship

It wouldn’t hurt Illinois to go out and snag a nice backup center. This can be a more traditional big man, as we now have Booth in the mix. Booth is more of a stretch big man who can space the floor and open the lanes. I would like for the Illini to get a bruiser like Dain Dainja as the primary backup at the No. 5 spot.