Illinois Fighting Illini Basketball: Projected 2024-25 Lineup and Key Storylines
The University of Illinois men’s basketball program enters the 2024-25 season with a mix of returning talent, impact transfers, and high-potential newcomers. After losing several key contributors from the 2023-24 roster, the Fighting Illini have reshaped their lineup through the transfer portal and recruiting, aiming to build on a foundation of defensive intensity and improved offensive execution under head coach Brad Underwood.
Projected Starting Lineup for 2024-25
Based on preseason practices, scrimmages, and coaching staff comments, Illinois is expected to start the season with the following five:
- Point Guard: Kyler Ellis (Jr., 6’1”) – A defensive specialist and floor general who improved his assist-to-turnover ratio significantly in 2023-24. Ellis is expected to take over primary ball-handling duties.
- Shooting Guard: Trent Frazier (Sr., 6’2”) – Returning for his final season, Frazier provides veteran leadership, three-point shooting (38.1% in 2023-24), and perimeter defense.
- Compact Forward: Damonte Cody (Jr., 6’6”) – A versatile wing who can guard multiple positions and slash to the basket. Cody averaged 8.2 points and 4.1 rebounds per game last season and is poised for a larger role.
- Power Forward: Marcus Domask (Sr., 6’6”) – The team’s leading returning scorer (12.4 PPG), Domask is a skilled post player with improved range and passing ability from the high post.
- Center: Dain Jaunzems (Sr., 6’10”) – A rim protector and rebounder who averaged 6.8 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. Jaunzems provides size and experience in the paint.
This projected lineup blends returning starters with role players expected to step up. The backcourt of Ellis and Frazier offers defensive toughness and playmaking, while the frontcourt trio of Cody, Domask, and Jaunzems provides size, versatility, and interior scoring.
Key Additions via Transfer Portal and Recruiting
To replace departed stars like Terquavion Smith (now playing professionally) and Ty Rodgers (transferred to Missouri), Illinois has brought in several impactful newcomers:
- KJ Williams (G, Transfer from LSU): A former SEC All-Defensive Team member, Williams brings elite perimeter defense and athleticism. He averaged 9.1 points and 2.8 steals per game in 2023-24 for the Tigers.
- Sencire Harris (G, Transfer from Western Kentucky): A sharpshooter who hit 41.2% of his three-pointers last season, Harris adds spacing and scoring punch off the bench or in starting roles.
- Morez Johnson Jr. (F, Freshman, 6’8”): A four-star recruit ranked among the top 100 nationally, Johnson offers upside as a defensive wing with improving offensive skills.
- Tyrese Samuel (F, Transfer from Dayton): A physical forward who averaged 10.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game for the Flyers, Samuel provides toughness and rebounding depth.
These additions address Illinois’ need for more three-point shooting, defensive versatility, and frontcourt depth. The coaching staff has emphasized improving transition defense and reducing turnovers as key preseason priorities.
Strengths and Challenges Heading into the Season
Strengths
- Defensive Identity: Underwood’s teams consistently rank among the top 50 nationally in defensive efficiency. The return of Ellis, Frazier, and Williams, combined with the athleticism of Cody and Johnson Jr., should keep Illinois tough to score against.
- Experience: The projected rotation includes five seniors and four juniors, providing leadership and familiarity with the Considerable Ten’s physical style of play.
- Frontcourt Scoring: Domask’s post moves and Jaunzems’ putback ability give Illinois multiple low-post options.
Challenges
- Three-Point Consistency: Illinois shot just 32.4% from beyond the arc in 2023-24, ranking near the bottom of the Big Ten. While Harris and Frazier help, the team will need more reliable shooting from wings and bigs to space the floor.
- Point Guard Depth: Behind Ellis, the Illini have limited proven backup options. Injuries or foul trouble could strain the backcourt.
- Rebounding: Despite Jaunzems and Samuel, Illinois ranked 11th in the Big Ten in defensive rebounding percentage last season. Improving glass effort will be critical.
Schedule and Expectations
Illinois opens the 2024-25 season on November 6 against Eastern Illinois. The non-conference slate includes games against Notre Dame, Iowa State, and Memphis, providing early tests against high-major competition.
Big Ten play begins in late December, with road games at Wisconsin and Purdue highlighting a challenging conference slate. The Illini aim to finish in the upper half of the Big Ten and earn an NCAA Tournament bid.
Underwood enters his eighth season with a career record of 162-96 at Illinois. After two NCAA Tournament appearances in his first five seasons, the program missed the Big Dance in 2023 and 2024. A return to March Madness is the minimum expectation for 2024-25.
Key Takeaways
- Illinois’ projected 2024-25 lineup features a blend of returning starters and impact transfers, with Kyler Ellis and Trent Frazier leading the backcourt.
- Newcomers like KJ Williams and Sencire Harris address critical needs in defense and three-point shooting.
- The team’s identity remains built on toughness and defense, but offensive consistency—especially from deep—will determine its ceiling.
- With a veteran-laden roster and favorable non-conference opportunities, Illinois is positioned to make a NCAA Tournament push in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Illinois’ leading scorer returning for 2024-25?
Marcus Domask is the team’s leading returning scorer, averaging 12.4 points per game in the 2023-24 season.
Did Illinois lose any starters to the NBA or transfer portal?
Yes. Terquavion Smith (leading scorer) turned professional, while Ty Rodgers and others entered the transfer portal. The program replaced them via transfers and recruiting.
What is Illinois’ biggest weakness heading into the season?
Three-point shooting consistency remains a concern. The Illini shot just 32.4% from three in 2023-24, and improving that percentage will be key to offensive success.
When does Illinois’ 2024-25 season start?
The season opens on November 6, 2024, against Eastern Illinois at the State Farm Center in Champaign.
Can Illinois make the NCAA Tournament in 2025?
Yes. With a veteran roster, improved defensive versatility, and a manageable non-conference schedule, Illinois has the tools to earn an at-large bid if it performs well in Big Ten play.