Illinois Basketball Roster Retool: Progress and Remaining Questions for the 2024-25 Season
As the 2024-25 college basketball season approaches, the University of Illinois Fighting Illini have made significant strides in reshaping their roster under head coach Brad Underwood. Although much of the roster retool is complete, several key questions remain about the team’s depth, shooting consistency, and how new additions will integrate into the system. This article examines the current state of Illinois basketball’s roster, the moves made during the offseason, and the areas that still need clarification before tipoff.
Offseason Moves: Transfers, Departures, and Returnees
The Illini offseason began with notable departures and strategic additions. Senior forward Tyler Horstmann graduated and pursued professional opportunities overseas, while guard Jayden Elias declared for the NBA Draft and did not return. To address these losses, Illinois secured key transfers: forward Kareem Watson from South Alabama and guard Darien Nelson-Harris from Utah. Both players bring experience and versatility to the frontcourt and backcourt, respectively.
Returning players form the core of the 2024-25 squad. Senior guard Trent Frazier (6’1″, 185 lbs) enters his fifth year, providing leadership and three-point shooting. Junior guard Koen Korat (6’4″, 190 lbs) returns after a breakout sophomore season, and sophomore forward Matthew Mayer (6’9″, 220 lbs) looks to build on his freshman impact. The roster as well includes highly-touted freshman Elijah Johnson, a 6’5″ wing ranked among the top 50 recruits nationally by 247Sports.
Current Roster Composition and Depth Chart
As of the latest roster update from the University of Illinois athletics website, the Illini have 13 scholarship players on their 2024-25 roster. The depth chart shows a balanced mix of experience and youth:
- Point Guard: Trent Frazier (Sr.), Darien Nelson-Harris (Jr.), Elijah Johnson (Fr.)
- Shooting Guard: Koen Korat (Jr.), Matthew Mayer (So.), Elijah Johnson (Fr.)
- Small Forward: Matthew Mayer (So.), Kareem Watson (Jr.), Trent Frazier (Sr.)
- Power Forward: Kareem Watson (Jr.), Matthew Mayer (So.), freshman Jackson Taylor (Fr.)
- Center: Jackson Taylor (Fr.), senior David Jones (Sr.), and junior Leo Rossi (Jr.)
Notably, the Illini have added depth at the forward position with Watson and Mayer, while the guard rotation remains strong with Frazier, Korat, and Nelson-Harris. The center position, however, shows reliance on underclassmen Taylor and Rossi, with Jones providing veteran presence but limited minutes due to age and injury history.
Key Questions Remaining for the Offseason
1. Can the Illini Improve Their Three-Point Shooting Consistency?
Illinois ranked 298th in Division I for three-point percentage in the 2023-24 season, making just 32.1% of their attempts (Sports Reference). The addition of Korat (38.5% from three in 2023-24) and Nelson-Harris (36.2%) should help, but the team still lacks a true elite shooter. Frazier’s 34.0% from deep last season is solid but not elite, and the freshman Johnson’s shooting ability remains untested at the collegiate level.
2. Will the Frontcourt Provide Enough Rebounding and Interior Defense?
The Illini averaged 34.2 rebounds per game in 2023-24, ranking 185th nationally (Sports Reference). Watson and Mayer are expected to improve rebounding, but the center rotation raises concerns. Taylor and Rossi are both under 6’10” and may struggle against bigger