Illinois Basketball: Predicting The 2024-25 Roster Depth Chart

Hey guys! With the 2024-25 college basketball season just around the corner, everyone's eager to know what the Illinois Fighting Illini roster will look like. Predicting the depth chart is always a fun exercise, and it gives us a glimpse into how Coach Brad Underwood might utilize his players. So, let's dive into a way-too-early projection of the Illinois basketball roster depth chart, analyzing each position and the potential contributors.

Point Guard

The point guard position is crucial for any successful basketball team. They initiate the offense, handle the ball, and make critical decisions in crunch time. For the Illini, the projected starter at point guard is Niccolo Moretti. Moretti showed flashes of brilliance last season, demonstrating excellent court vision and passing skills. His ability to penetrate the defense and create opportunities for his teammates makes him a valuable asset. As he gains more experience, expect Moretti to become a more consistent scorer and a leader on the floor. Backing up Moretti will likely be Carey Booth. Booth's a dynamic player known for his scoring ability and defensive tenacity. He provides a different dimension to the point guard position with his knack for creating his own shot and disrupting the opposing team's offense. While he might not possess the same playmaking skills as Moretti, his scoring punch off the bench will be a significant boost for the Illini. The coaching staff might also experiment with other players in certain situations, but Moretti and Booth are the frontrunners to handle the primary point guard duties. The development of these two players will be critical to the team's success next season. Their ability to control the tempo, make smart decisions, and lead the offense will determine how far the Illini can go.

Shooting Guard

The shooting guard position demands players who can score from the perimeter and create opportunities off the dribble. This position requires consistent shooting, defensive intensity, and the ability to drive to the basket effectively. For Illinois, the starting shooting guard spot is projected to be filled by Kylan Boswell. Boswell, known for his exceptional shooting range and scoring prowess, is expected to bring a significant offensive boost to the team. His ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc will stretch opposing defenses and open up the floor for his teammates. Boswell's presence on the court will undoubtedly make the Illini a more dangerous offensive team. In a backup role, Drake Powell is expected to contribute significantly. Powell is a versatile player who can score in multiple ways and provides solid defense. His energy and hustle will be valuable assets off the bench, and he's capable of stepping into the starting lineup if needed. Powell's ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor makes him a key player in the Illini's rotation. The combination of Boswell's scoring and Powell's versatility gives the Illini a strong duo at the shooting guard position. Their performance will be crucial in determining the team's offensive efficiency and overall success. Keep an eye on these two as they play pivotal roles in the upcoming season, guys!

Small Forward

The small forward position is often filled by versatile players who can score, defend, and rebound. These players need to be able to handle the ball, create their own shots, and contribute in multiple ways. The projected starter at small forward for the Illini is Jake Davis. Davis brings a combination of size, athleticism, and skill to the position. His ability to score both inside and outside, coupled with his defensive tenacity, makes him a valuable asset. Davis is also a strong rebounder, which helps the Illini control the boards. As he continues to develop, Davis has the potential to become a star player for Illinois. Providing depth at the small forward position is Ty Rodgers. Rodgers is a high-energy player who excels on the defensive end. His ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt the opposing team's offense makes him a valuable contributor. Rodgers also provides a spark off the bench with his hustle and determination. While his offensive game is still developing, his defensive prowess makes him an important part of the Illini's rotation. The combination of Davis's all-around game and Rodgers's defensive intensity gives the Illini a solid duo at the small forward position. Their performance will be crucial in determining the team's success on both ends of the floor. Keep a close watch on how these two perform and contribute to the team's overall strategy. They will be instrumental to the team's success, guys!

Power Forward

The power forward position requires players who can score inside, rebound, and defend bigger opponents. This position is all about physicality, toughness, and the ability to battle in the paint. For the Illini, the projected starter at power forward is Ben Humrichous. Humrichous is known for his versatility and skill. He can stretch the floor with his shooting and also score inside. His ability to create mismatches and make smart decisions makes him a valuable asset. Humrichous's presence on the court provides the Illini with a significant offensive advantage. Backing up Humrichous at power forward is expected to be Zacharie Perrin. Perrin brings size, strength, and rebounding ability to the position. His presence in the paint will help the Illini control the boards and defend against opposing big men. Perrin's physicality and toughness make him a valuable asset off the bench. The combination of Humrichous's skill and Perrin's physicality gives the Illini a strong duo at the power forward position. Their performance will be crucial in determining the team's success in the frontcourt. Make sure you watch these two closely as they play vital roles in the upcoming season.

Center

The center position is the anchor of the team, requiring players who can rebound, defend the paint, and score inside. They must be able to protect the rim, grab rebounds, and provide a physical presence. For Illinois, the starting center is projected to be Tomislav Ivisic. Ivisic brings size, skill, and experience to the position. He is a skilled offensive player who can score in multiple ways, and his defensive presence is formidable. Ivisic's ability to control the paint will be crucial to the Illini's success. Providing depth at the center position is Will Berg. Berg is a developing player with a lot of potential. His size and athleticism make him a promising prospect, and he continues to improve his skills. Berg's development will be important for the Illini's future. The combination of Ivisic's experience and Berg's potential gives the Illini a solid duo at the center position. Their performance will be critical in determining the team's success in the frontcourt. Keep an eye on these two as they play pivotal roles in the upcoming season.

Overall Thoughts

So, there you have it – a way-too-early look at the projected Illinois basketball roster depth chart for the 2024-25 season. Of course, things can change with injuries, player development, and coaching decisions. But based on what we know right now, the Illini appear to have a talented and deep roster. The key will be how well these players gel together and how effectively Coach Underwood can utilize their strengths. The potential is there for a very successful season, and it's going to be exciting to watch it all unfold. What do you guys think? Are there any surprises in this projection? Let me know in the comments below!

Disclaimer: This is just a projection based on available information and speculation. The actual depth chart may vary.