Projected Illinois basketball lineup with transfer portal addition of Ben Humrichous

No. 5 Center/Forward

Starter: Morez Johnson Jr. (FR)

Special players have come to Illinois, but I think this is the most excited I have ever been for an incoming high school player. Morez Johnson Jr. is a special talent who tore up opponents at the high school level and will do the same in college.

Johnson was a double-double machine with Thornton Township last season. He isn’t just a traditional big man, though. Johnson is great at rebounding and blocking shots, but he can shoot from all levels of the floor. His touch in the paint is impressive, and if you slack off of him, he is going to knock down a three-point attempt. Johnson is a huge asset to this program. That is why I have him starting at the No. 5 spot.

Backup: Jason Jakstys (FR)

Illinois is bringing in two freshmen next season. Johnson is the first freshman, and then we have Jason Jakstys entering the program.

Jakstys is a good player, but there is some development that needs to happen. I don’t think he will be ready to compete for meaningful minutes in year one. I have him as the primary backup right now, but Carey Booth is likely to be in this spot and be the backup at the No. 4 and No. 5 spots. I have Jakstys getting blowout minutes and eventually taking a redshirt.

Backup: Transfer Portal

It would be nice if Illinois could go into the transfer portal and get a true backup big man. We need someone who can come in and give us 10-15 minutes per game. A Dain Dainja role is what I am looking for. That could be tough to find, but Illinois needs a solid backup at the No. 5 spot.