In our Big Ten Offseason Evaluation series, we’ll break down the roster changes and outlook for all 18 Big Ten basketball teams heading into the 2024-25 season. First up is Illinois, which returns just two players from last season’s Elite Eight team.
Illinois had a historic 2023-24 season, reaching the Elite Eight for the first time since 2005. But coach Brad Underwood will have to try to extend that success with almost a completely new roster.
All-Big Ten players Terrence Shannon Jr., Marcus Domask and Coleman Hawkins are the most notable departures from a team that went 29-9, Illinois’ most wins since 2005. And with Ty Rodgers and Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn as the only returners, Illinois will rely heavily on an intriguing group of transfers and freshmen next season.Who they lostColeman Hawkins , Dain Dainja , Luke Goode , Amani Hansberry , Sincere Harris , Niccolo Moretti Terrance Shannon Jr.
It’ll certainly be a challenge to replace all but two players from last year’s Elite Eight team, but Underwood did well in the transfer portal and with high school recruiting. Kylan Boswell figures to step in as Illinois’ point guard after playing a key role in Arizona’s 55-16 run over the last two seasons. Freshman Kasparas Jakucionis, a 6-foot-6 point guard from Lithuania, is a projected first-round NBA draft pick in 2025 and will help fill the backcourt void.
Louisville transfer Tre White, Evansville transfer Ben Humrichous and Mercer transfer Jake Davis fit the mold of long, versatile wings who have had success in Underwood’s system. The latter two each shot over 38% from 3-point range last season, and White was a quality starter for USC and Louisville during his freshman and sophomore seasons.The most unknown aspect of Illinois’ roster – and perhaps what could determine its success or failure – is its freshmen.
Four-star power forward Morez Johnson and 7-foot Croatian center Tomislav Ivisic will also have to provide quality minutes in the front court right away. While they are talented, relying on freshmen can be tricky. Illinois also landed 6-foot-10 Notre Dame transfer Carey Booth, but the front court depth is uncertain and lacks the kind of star player it had in recent years, like Hawkins or Cockburn.
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