This might be the most curious I have ever been about an Illinois basketball team in my lifetime.
There are so many unknowns about the Illini. The 2025-26 season is a couple of months away, and we don’t know what this squad will look like on the court. There are some great returning pieces, but it is one of those years where we have a lot of new faces, too.
On top of that, some unwanted injury news came down the pipeline just a few days ago. Illinois could end up being without newcomer Andrej Stojakovic for a period of time. Without the talented guard, Illinois’ lineup will have to change.
Here is the projected Illinois basketball starting lineup if Andrej Stojakovic misses time
No. 1 Guard
- Starter: Kylan Boswell
The two starting guards in the Illinois backcourt for the 2025-26 season will be interchangeable. They are going to play somewhat of the same role, much like Deron Williams and Dee Brown in 2005.
Kylan Boswell is my projected starter at one of the two main backcourt positions. He was one of the leaders on the team last season, and that role should grow even larger this time around. Boswell’s 12.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.1 steals per game should increase, too. I expect a big year out of him, especially if Stojakovic is on the mend.
- Backup: Keaton Wagler
Illinois’ guard depth worries me a bit. I have Keaton Wagler in the primary backup position in the backcourt right now.
Wagler was a four-star recruit coming out of high school. He was also the best player in the state of Kansas. This was a good get, and I think Illinois is going to end up having to throw him to the wolves early on in his career. Wagler can do a little bit of everything on the court, which is good for the position. I am most excited about his great size a 6-foot-6 playing in the backcourt.