The Champaign Room - Everything you need to know about Illinois’ offseason A Fighting Illini community since 2012https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48193/tcr-fave.png2023-07-22T11:10:48-05:00http://www.thechampaignroom.com/rss/stream/234190142023-07-22T11:10:48-05:002023-07-22T11:10:48-05:00Illinois heading on overseas trip to Spain
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<figcaption>Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Illini are heading to Europe. </p> <p id="PqXzh3">The Fighting Illini are heading to Spain. </p>
<p id="JtQ70d">According to the team’s official Twitter account, Illinois will leave next month for a 10-day trip to Europe, which includes three scrimmages. </p>
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<p lang="es" dir="ltr">¡Vamos!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Illini?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Illini</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HTTO?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HTTO</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EveryDayGuys?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EveryDayGuys</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZReT8WF6hE">pic.twitter.com/ZReT8WF6hE</a></p>— Illinois Men's Basketball (@IlliniMBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/IlliniMBB/status/1682782715236564994?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2023</a>
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<p id="97qXgG">Illinois will play the Madrid All Stars on Aug. 6; Valencia on Aug. 9; and Catalonia All Stars on Aug. 13. The Illini will then come back to Champaign on Aug. 14. </p>
<p id="eCKwqj">The Illini’s last overseas trip came in 2019, when the team visited Italy and went 3-1 in four scrimmages. </p>
<aside id="ZfkYri"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Illinois Basketball Italy Trip Recap","url":"https://www.thechampaignroom.com/2019/8/12/20801382/illinois-basketball-italy-recap-fighting-illini-offseason-ayo-dosunmu-alan-griffin"}]}'></div></aside><p id="FeDBqx">While these games won’t be televised, there will surely be some highlights shared on Twitter. It will be our first look at the new-look Illini, <a href="https://www.thechampaignroom.com/2023/7/2/23781723/ty-rodgers-illinois-fighting-illini-ncaa-big-ten-brad-underwood-skyy-clark-rj-melendez">which are already creating a lot of headlines and buzz online.</a></p>
https://www.thechampaignroom.com/2023/7/22/23804093/illinois-heading-on-overseas-trip-to-spain-fighting-illini-ncaa-big-ten-brad-underwoodStephen Cohn2023-07-03T18:16:36-05:002023-07-03T18:16:36-05:00Tyler Underwood promoted to Illinois assistant coach
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<img alt="COLLEGE BASKETBALL: FEB 15 Illinois at Rutgers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/guVbpLCA45wInSR-89aa5SLC-c4=/0x0:4017x2678/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72423987/1201244246.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>A new NCAA rule lets you have two extra assistant coaches on the bench. </p> <p id="T5dCbH">A new NCAA rule this season will let college basketball teams have two extra assistant coaches on the bench. </p>
<p id="6aF9j5">On Monday, head coach Brad Underwood announced Illinois’ two new assistants will be current staff members Tyler Underwood and Zach Hamer. </p>
<p id="4qGgV5">According to the NCAA, the new coaches may engage in “coaching activities” but they cannot recruit off-campus. </p>
<p id="cNzErP">Tyler Underwood has been with the Illini program since coming over from Oklahoma State with his father in 2017. He played three seasons for the Illini and served the last two seasons as director of recruiting and scouting. </p>
<p id="efZChI">Hamer has been with the Illini for four seasons, serving as assistant to the head coach and video coordinator. </p>
<p id="TgKWHh">“I am excited to have Zach and Tyler in a role where they can now have on-court coaching responsibilities that benefit our team,” Underwood said in a statement. “These are two young men with bright futures in our profession. They have been immersed in the game of basketball their whole lives and have been part of successful, winning programs every step of the way, most notably here at the University of Illinois. </p>
<p id="TMGXOl">Shauna Green elevated two members of her staff to assistants on Saturday. Emily Burr and Jenna Giacone followed Green to Champaign from her previous job at Dayton. </p>
https://www.thechampaignroom.com/2023/7/3/23783232/tyler-underwood-promoted-to-illinois-assistant-coach-fighting-illini-ncaa-big-ten-bradStephen Cohn2023-06-23T15:30:00-05:002023-06-23T15:30:00-05:00Transfer guard Jeremiah Williams decommits from Illinois
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<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Temple at Houston" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FR_o_aikbxqHxgw4u7Z6jNpWjn4=/0x82:3287x2273/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72397375/usa_today_15350795.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Illini are still looking for a guard. </p> <p id="jfBE3l">Less than a month after committing to Illinois, point guard Jeremiah Williams announced Friday he is reopening his recruitment. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I will be opening my recruitment 100% .. </p>— JWILL (@jeremiah0002) <a href="https://twitter.com/jeremiah0002/status/1672284072754782208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2023</a>
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<p id="AxMhsF">Williams was mostly recently a point guard at Iowa State, although he didn’t appear in a game last season for the Cyclones as he recovers from an Achilles injury. He started his college career at Temple. </p>
<aside id="fYoAyg"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Illinois adds transfer PG Jeremiah Williams&nbsp; (From June 1) ","url":"https://www.thechampaignroom.com/2023/6/1/23745823/illinois-adds-transfer-pg-jeremiah-williams-fighting-illini-ncaa-big-ten-iowa-state-brad-underwood"}]}'></div></aside><p id="pIsJ0D">He committed to Illinois the same day the Illini missed out on highly touted transfer guard RayJ Dennis, who committed to Baylor. If Williams was healthy for this season, he would’ve needed a waiver (since he was joining his second program in as many years). </p>
<p id="nJd4Ed">So what’s this mean? Illinois still needs a point guard and has the scholarship to do it. </p>
<p id="BxEm9F">Luckily for the Illini, a few names joined the portal on Friday, including West Virginia guards Joe Toussaint and Kerr Kriisa, the latter of whom previously played for Arizona. He announced his decision in the wake of Bob Huggins’ firing/resignation after last week’s DUI arrest. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Source: West Virginia's Joe Toussaint also plans to enter the transfer portal. Averaged 9.4 PPG last season. <a href="https://t.co/hPTobGRRJH">https://t.co/hPTobGRRJH</a></p>— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonRothstein/status/1672299901168828440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2023</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sources: West Virginia's Kerr Kriisa plans to enter the transfer portal. <br><br>Kriisa has played the last few seasons at Arizona.</p>— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonRothstein/status/1672298923036164108?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2023</a>
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<p id="WNi2Er">Your move, Brad. </p>
https://www.thechampaignroom.com/2023/6/23/23771864/transfer-guard-jeremiah-williams-decommits-from-illinois-fighting-illini-ncaa-big-tenStephen Cohn2023-06-17T09:35:20-05:002023-06-17T09:35:20-05:00REPORT: Illinois playing Cinderella story FAU in non-conference play
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<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Final Four National Semifinals-Florida Atlantic vs San Diego State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/O7TU48CXflF_sPWhAPgXJn9ExgI=/0x0:3586x2391/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72379241/usa_today_20373219.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Another high-profile matchup for the Illini. </p> <p id="NtdCH5">Last season, Florida Atlantic was seconds away from becoming one of the great underdog stories of all time, playing in the national championship against UCONN. </p>
<p id="NY3PoQ">Next season, they’ll play the Fighting Illini. </p>
<p id="W8kdLs">According to a report from our good friend Jon Rothstein, Illinois and FAU will square off in this year’s Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden in New York. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">NEWS: Illinois and Florida Atlantic are finalizing an agreement to play in the 2023 Jimmy V Classic at MSG, according to multiple sources.<br><br>UConn/North Carolina is the other game in the doubleheader.<a href="https://t.co/cTjijg9d9t">https://t.co/cTjijg9d9t</a></p>— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonRothstein/status/1669755199269875714?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2023</a>
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<p id="TFPtOK">Rothstein says defending national champ UCONN will play the 2022 runner-up North Carolina in the other game. </p>
<p id="JWyeVz">You may remember Illinois’ appearance last year in the Jimmy V Classic, an overtime thriller against No. 2 Texas. </p>
<aside id="bQYD1w"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Illinois stuns No. 2 Texas in OT in instant classic ","url":"https://www.thechampaignroom.com/2022/12/6/23497323/illinois-stuns-no-2-texas-in-ot-in-instant-classic-fighting-illini-ncaa-big-ten-brad-underwood"}]}'></div></aside><p id="ZU0SpL">Last year, the Owls ended up going 35-4. Dusty May returns most of his production from that squad, but who knows if they’ll be THAT good again?? </p>
<p id="VQ9h3V">Anywho, it’s good to see Illinois get to play in all these high-profile non-conference events. Whatever you think of Brad Underwood, the Illini are relevant, and there’s no denying that. </p>
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https://www.thechampaignroom.com/2023/6/17/23764497/report-illinois-playing-cinderella-story-fau-in-non-conference-play-fighting-illini-ncaa-big-tenStephen Cohn2023-06-06T08:05:00-05:002023-06-06T08:05:00-05:00A way-too-early look at Illinois’ depth chart
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<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Illinois at Nebraska" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/aBfFHUVjdD1dsW4bkkB4FH6jeF4=/0x0:3152x2101/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72344917/usa_today_19773038.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>What could Brad Underwood’s rotation look like?</p> <p id="80gEon">It’s been an eventful week for the Illini. </p>
<p id="IIWqe7">Wednesday was the deadline for early draft entrants to choose to stay in the draft or return to school. Thanks to big NIL offers, more enticing over possible second-round contracts, the Illini convinced both Terrence Shannon Jr. and Coleman Hawkins to come back for one more season. </p>
<p id="5A3K48">Shannon Jr. was an All-Big Ten First Team player last season, while Hawkins started the entire season as a junior. The Illini’s floor and ceiling both rose exponentially with their returns. </p>
<p id="pmK5XJ">Thursday brought unfortunate news, as RayJ Dennis, MAC Player of the Year, an Illinois native, and reported transfer target of the Illini at point guard, committed to Baylor instead. The Illini quickly pivoted to Jeremiah Williams, a point guard from Temple who missed all of last season with Iowa State due to an Achilles tear. With that, the <a href="https://t.co/9uyoRMKTzi">Illini gave out their final scholarship for the 2023-24 season</a> (there is still one walk-on spot open). There is some speculation that they will still try to add another graduate transfer, but that would require a scholarship to unexpectedly open up.</p>
<p id="QCFGt7">With the roster more or less finalized, let’s take a look at what the depth chart and rotations might look like for Brad Underwood in 2023-24.</p>
<h2 id="ADH1P9"><strong>Roster Refresher</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li id="G5rTrB">
<em>NBA Draft/G League departures: </em>Matthew Mayer</li>
<li id="z50GTx">
<em>Transfer Portal Departures:</em> Jayden Epps (Georgetown), RJ Melendez (Georgia), Brandon Lieb (Illinois State)</li>
<li id="GN22Do">
<em>Other Departures:</em> Skyy Clark (left team midseason, transferred to Louisville), Zacharie Perrin (left team midseason to go pro overseas), Connor Serven (walk-on entered transfer portal), Paxton Warden (walk-on entered transfer portal)</li>
<li id="ulPwik">
<em>Incoming Freshmen:</em> Amani Hansberry (Baltimore, MD), Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (Raleigh, NC)</li>
<li id="cY5RyE">
<em>Incoming Transfers: </em>Jeremiah Williams (Iowa State), Quincy Guerrier (Oregon), Justin Harmon (Utah Valley), Marcus Domask (Southern Illinois), Keaton Kutcher (walk-on, South Dakota)</li>
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<h1 id="CmZW2W"><strong>Depth Chart</strong></h1>
<h4 id="kyU0UI"><em>Note: Some players will appear twice. And this is a prediction of what Brad Underwood will do, not what I want the Fighting Illini to do.</em></h4>
<h2 id="5y5Izo"><em><strong>Point Guard:</strong></em></h2>
<h3 id="V0mBxn"><strong>1-Jeremiah Williams</strong></h3>
<p id="8eCSoI">All eyes were on the PG spot for the Illini in the transfer portal. Last year, they decided against adding a veteran in the transfer portal and rolled with multiple freshmen. In the end, Skyy Clark left the team midway through the season, Jayden Epps entered the portal following a solid freshman season, and Sencire Harris showed he had a ton to work on offensively. So the Illini ended up with Williams as their transfer PG. </p>
<p id="iNxPMr">He may not have the scoring punch or shooting of RayJ Dennis or LJ Cryer or Yuri Collins, but he has very good size (6’5”, 185 pounds), and his defense is elite (1.4 steals, 0.7 blocks per game at Temple). He also averaged 4.3 assists per game, a solid number for a college PG. His shooting splits aren’t great, but ideally they are fixable. If he’s healthy, and his outside shot has improved a little, he can be a good fit next to the rest of the team with his strong defense and decent setup game. Then again, if his shot hasn’t improved at all and his defense is still a work in progress coming back from injury, the Illini will regret this as their final scholarship offer for the season. </p>
<p id="rJQV8w"><em>(A reminder, Williams must submit a waiver to play this season since he is transferring for the second time in two years.) </em></p>
<h3 id="xMbfTI"><strong>2-Sencire Harris</strong></h3>
<p id="IrDQSs">Harris was a huge energy guy for the Illini. He was easily their best defender, and was a catalyst for huge comebacks against UCLA and Northwestern. Illustrating his impact is the Illini’s net rating with him on the court: +19.6, easily highest on the team, per CBB Analytics. Now net rating definitely isn’t a perfect stat (nobody thinks Coleman Hawkins was a net negative on the court), but it being so high showed that despite his offensive flaws, Harris always was a positive player for the Illini on the court. </p>
<p id="BqxZYK">If he can just be a little more aggressive attacking the rim (he had a lot of highlight dunks, but sometimes got timid due to his poor free throw shooting) he will play a lot more this season. Brad will need him to, to prevent the team from falling behind early again. </p>
<h3 id="ESmWky"><strong>3-Niccolo Moretti</strong></h3>
<p id="AJHEfg">Moretti arrived in midseason but barely played. He faces an uphill battle to minutes, being so undersized. Part of why he came midseason was to get with the Illini strength and conditioning coaches early. Ideally, he will more or less be a redshirt this season and barely play as he tries to get stronger. </p>
<h3 id="ZK2FTw"><strong>4-Keaton Kutcher</strong></h3>
<p id="WLRHv4">Kutcher transferred as a walk-on from South Dakota. He didn’t play much there, so he won’t play much at Illinois. </p>
<h2 id="YaK83f"><em><strong>Shooting Guard:</strong></em></h2>
<h3 id="Qpu0ap"><strong>1-Terrence Shannon Jr.</strong></h3>
<p id="ffvcnT">Shannon was the biggest decision of the offseason, and he seemed to have a legitimate chance of getting drafted early in the second round. Now, he returns to Illinois hoping to guarantee himself an NBA contract, and maybe even get into the first round as an older prospect. Shannon was terrific for the Illini last season, averaging 17.2 PPG and making All-Big Ten First Team. A second year with Brad Underwood will likely unlock Shannon into Player of the Year contention, provided he can tighten his handle, catch and shoot threes more like he did at Texas Tech, continue to attack the rim viciously but be able to finish through contact, and simply assert himself more, like Ayo Dosunmu learned to do. Shannon is a star in the making, someone whose jersey could hang from the rafters.</p>
<h3 id="jfAi3l"><strong>2-Justin Harmon</strong></h3>
<p id="sMMrqG">The Illini recruited Harmon not as their lead point guard, but to fill the role Andres Feliz played in 2019-20, as an off-ball shooter, great defender, and secondary playmaker. He was one of Utah Valley’s better players as they won the WAC regular season title, and made the NIT semifinals. He was on fire during the NIT run, scoring 21 PPG on 52% from the field. The Fighting Illini won’t need him to score that much in 2023-24, but they’ll need him to space the floor, hit some catch and shoot 3s, and be a secondary playmaker, and be a great defender. The defensive potential of a backcourt with Williams, TSJ, Harris, and Harmon is tantalizing. </p>
<h3 id="947nUQ"><strong>3-Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn</strong></h3>
<p id="4sVcgv">Lawhorn might be relied on a little more than originally expected early on. He complements Williams as a scorer and shooter, so he can offset some of the scoring lost from the Epps transfer, but he is still undersized and needs to work on the non-scoring aspects of his game. DGL will need to show early on he can both shoot off the dribble and hit catch and shoot treys to get playing time. Epps was able to do it, and was probably the Illini’s best legitimate point guard last season. Brad Underwood and the staff will be thrilled if DGL can provide close to what Epps provided last season. </p>
<h3 id="mQyzCq"><strong>4-AJ Redd</strong></h3>
<p id="KLQMwe">Redd is the only returning walk-on for the Illini. That counts for something. </p>
<h2 id="r6hVBa"><em><strong>Small Forward:</strong></em></h2>
<h3 id="TuVm3T"><strong>1-Luke Goode</strong></h3>
<p id="eWaqlv">Goode had some good games for the Illini down the stretch of the season, and shot quite well in a small sample. He profiles as the team’s best three-point shooter. He may be the biggest X-factor on the team. Goode has stuck around with the Illini as RJ Melendez got more playing time and transferred, and Brandin Podziemski transferred and is now expected to be a first-round pick. Underwood should reward him with a starting spot, especially because he complements the stars so well with his shooting (39% from 3 in two seasons) and size (6’7”).</p>
<h3 id="psoMbW"><strong>2-Marcus Domask</strong></h3>
<p id="wbhZlT">Domask was the Illini’s first get in the transfer portal, coming up from Carbondale. He was the star for an SIU team that was third in the MVC, leading the team in points, rebounds, and assists (16.7, 5.8, 3.8). He also is a good shooter; for his career he shoots 36% on threes on 5 attempts per game. Much needed for an Illini team that lacked consistent options to shoot from outside. He should be able to quickly adjust to shooting well off the catch. Domask has a chance to be one of the most underrated transfers in the country, if his shortcomings in athleticism aren’t exposed defensively.</p>
<h3 id="dj1i0T"><strong>3-Quincy Guerrier</strong></h3>
<p id="yG0amY">Guerrier played at Syracuse as a PF, where he was especially good his sophomore season (13.7 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 1.1 BPG). With Oregon, he played more on the wing, where he struggled defensively, but did improve his 3 point shooting (up to 35% last season). With the Illini, he will be expected to mostly play at the 4, giving him better matchups defensively and allowing the Illini to space the floor, and give them a lot of different possible lineup combinations with Guerrier, Hawkins, Goode, Domask, and Rodgers. The versatility is a weapon for Brad Underwood. </p>
<h2 id="q3XDLW"><em><strong>Power Forward:</strong></em></h2>
<h3 id="8LXhPY"><strong>1-Coleman Hawkins</strong></h3>
<p id="u4c6In">The second biggest domino, Hawkins announced his return to the Illini before the draft deadline. His first season of starting brought a lot of good, as Hawkins was a great defender, who could play and guard the 3, 4, or 5. He also had a number of highlight reel dunks, and stuffed the stat sheet (10 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 3 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.2 BPG). His issue is the turnovers (2.5 a game) and the three-point shooting (28% last season, and often turned down too many open looks to drive into the teeth of the defense or be too unselfish with a pass). If he is less hesitant to shoot those open threes, and his percentage gets above 30%, and his experience helps him tone down the turnovers, he can contend for All-Big Ten. </p>
<h3 id="ezRvOb"><strong>2-Ty Rodgers</strong></h3>
<p id="P0hwO2">Rodgers was similar to Harris in doing all the little things for the Illini, crashing the glass, playing great defense, and even running the point and not doing bad at it at all. Rodgers has a good layup and post package, but he can’t shoot at all. That prevents the Illini from playing a lineup that could have insane defense with Rodgers and Harris but would struggle mightily offensively. If he can develop a little bit of a midrange and free throw shooting, he will be a huge part of the 2023-24 Illini team.</p>
<h3 id="kumlHS"><strong>3-Quincy Guerrier</strong></h3>
<p id="zQ6j2I">See above.</p>
<h2 id="Bmgq2Z"><em><strong>Center:</strong></em></h2>
<h3 id="ZyT4FY"><strong>1-Dain Dainja</strong></h3>
<p id="v8I8ei">Dainja looked like an absolute stud for the Illini early on in the season, dominating non-conference games and then winning some conference games like against Michigan State. However, Big Ten teams realized they could double him into easy turnovers, and that hurt the Illini down the stretch. He also struggled against very mobile bigs or when teams stretched the floor out without a big. Still, Dainja averaged 9.5 PPG and 5.5 RPG on 63.6% from the field. He can get the Illini buckets at the 5, he just needs to learn to pass out of a double team faster and be quicker on his feet defensively. </p>
<h3 id="Z5uJVa"><strong>2-Amani Hansberry</strong></h3>
<p id="cv3UvJ">Hansberry just missed out on being a top-50 recruit on 247. The 6’8”, 230-pound big man is the prized recruit of the 2023 class. He won the Gatorade Player of the Year award in Maryland, He can likely play the 4 and 5, with his strength and physicality in the paint. He could become an absolutely dominant force in a year or two. For now, the Fighting Illini will hope that Hansberry can provide great depth in the frontcourt, as they prepare to deal with another season of Big Ten men.</p>
<h3 id="jwT3B9"><strong>3-Coleman Hawkins</strong></h3>
<p id="TaeDlZ">Hawkins played very well as the small ball 5, even though he might be taller than Dain Dainja but is much thinner. He will play a lot of minutes at the 5, as he did down the stretch, getting the better of guys like Hunter Dickinson who are so much bigger. Still, being the full-time center would take a toll on him, so don’t expect him to be the starter there.</p>
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<p id="NOhIAf">Expect the walk-on spot for the Illini to be filled by a frontcourt player. </p>
<p id="l0i6xI">Overall, the Illini are probably better than last season, with even more versatility in the lineups they can put on the floor, but the key to being a Big Ten and national title contender will come from increased experience and hopeful improvement from the stars (Shannon and Hawkins), the role players (Rodgers, Harris, Goode), and the transfers fitting around them better (Domask, Harmon, Williams, Guerrier). They may not have acquired the perfect star point guard they were hoping for (though they may still be trying) but the team, now with a lot more experience both overall and playing together, should set their sights on a conference title, a top-4 seed, and maybe, finally, the second weekend of March Madness.</p>
https://www.thechampaignroom.com/2023/6/6/23744798/a-way-too-early-look-at-illinois-depth-chart-fighting-illini-ncaa-big-ten-brad-underwoodIMKudaimi2023-06-04T10:09:33-05:002023-06-04T10:09:33-05:00Brad Underwood rebuilt Illinois’ roster. Will it work?
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<figcaption>Underwood against Arkansas last March. | Jack Jungmann // TCR</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Agree to disagree ahead of time. There is no consensus.</p> <p id="BwrGXM">Greetings and salutations, Illinois Land!</p>
<p id="xgYZKi">It’s been a minute since I’ve graced the pages of The Champaign Room. At that time, Brad Underwood had just finished losing another NCAA Tournament game, this time to Arkansas. That particular game was a nearly perfect carbon copy of several previous contests in the 2022-23 season. </p>
<p id="lm4Dim"><strong>Dull. Uninspired. Sloppy. Apathetic.</strong></p>
<p id="rISnNu">At the post-game press conference, Underwood made a joke about sophomore guard <strong>RJ Melendez</strong>, to which Underwood felt the need to verbally clarify “it was meant to be funny, RJ.” </p>
<p id="ppMn5A">Melendez, like so many other players on the Illinois basketball roster, had fallen out of good graces with not only the fanbase, but seemingly the entire coaching staff. It looked like <strong>Coleman Hawkins</strong> (Jr.) and <strong>Terrence Shannon, Jr.</strong> (RS - Sr.) were heading to either the NBA or to play professionally in Europe.</p>
<div id="Qlpg6r"><div data-anthem-component="gallery:11920540"></div></div>
<p id="ik8cPg">What the hell was going on with freshman sensation <strong>Jayden Epps</strong>? Amidst a concussion, and a prolonged shooting slump, Epps’ future was cloudy, at best. The aforementioned former freshman sensation Melendez was of a similar view. No one knew, including the players themselves.</p>
<p id="hugSM1">Baylor transfer <strong>Dain Dainja</strong> had portal rumors congruently, but would have to sit a year if he transferred again. Although not thought to be a program-defining piece to the puzzle, Dainja’s departure would deal a near death blow to any semblance of paint productivity the next season. </p>
<p id="0HGslt"><strong>Cue: Chicken Little. </strong></p>
<p id="jf6G7s">The sky was falling. Well, not so much falling. It potentially was already lying on the ground. </p>
<p id="MiLSxN">I haven’t even mentioned freshmen guards Ty Rodgers and Sencire Harris. It seemed like they were “always coming back.” This dynamic duo can do everything on a basketball court, save shooting free throws or shooting, in general.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="NCAA Basketball: NCAA Tournament First Round-Illinois vs Arkansas" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7Ns75rPxZ4xv3idiIJs8GN118SY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24701552/usa_today_20245831.jpg">
<cite>Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
<figcaption>Rodgers slashes to the bucket, with a trailing TSJ in the background.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="O5siE3">Sophomore guard Luke Goode, an expected starter, had just suffered through a broken ankle that cost him about 85% of his sophomore year. He was a mortal lock to return for his junior year.</p>
<h1 id="FfhbYO"><strong>The Departed: 2023 Offseason</strong></h1>
<p id="0YM128">Here’s the list of transfers and departures. Senior guard Matthew Mayer is the only one on the list who doesn’t have any eligibility left in college.</p>
<ul>
<li id="7fC28q">
<em>Jayden Epps (So.)</em>: Georgetown</li>
<li id="jslxdN">
<em>RJ Melendez (Jr.): </em>Georgia</li>
<li id="7rUuAQ">
<em>Skyy Clark (So.):</em> Louisville</li>
<li id="bOsd1C">
<em>Zach Perrin (So.)</em>: Returned to France</li>
<li id="Rwp21X">
<em>Matthew Mayer (RS - Sr.):</em> Turned professional</li>
</ul>
<p id="kFadxS">Skyy Clark essentially left the team in December, in between various conflicting reports, and not much factually said from Underwood or the athletic department. Clark (No. 27) was the highest-ranked recruit in Illinois history. He barely made it to New Year’s Eve. </p>
<h1 id="ejaUOk"><strong>The Arrivals: 2023-24 roster additions</strong></h1>
<p id="OcQpZJ">Underwood and his staff added high-quality players from both the transfer portal, and via the traditional route of convincing a high school player to start their college career at Illinois. This was formerly known as “recruiting.”</p>
<h3 id="4xbnD7"><strong>Here are the incoming additions via the transfer portal:</strong></h3>
<h2 id="vIFEQJ"><strong>Quincy Guerrier (6-foot-7, 220): From Oregon, via Syracuse</strong></h2>
<p id="Or7pd4">PROJECTION: Day 1 Starter</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Syndication: The Register Guard" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ocGeQhhPDoxYYjaT-fv6z6EySo8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24701563/usa_today_20145693.jpg">
<cite>Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK</cite>
<figcaption>Guerrier bangs down low in PAC-12 play last season. He can fill it up from downtown, shooting nearly 35% in his last season at Oregon.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="qnzxbT">This widely overlooked addition by BU is a complete player, with size and athleticism. Think about “a Michigan State player” and QG is what that player embodies. Guerrier is already 24 and a grown-ass man. With a career PER (Player Efficiency Rating) of 16.8, Guerrier should replace the production of Mayer, and will certainly be better on the boards and defensive end.</p>
<p id="UjGxpo"><strong>QG shot 34.7% from three last season, and has improved his shooting from long range every year. </strong></p>
<h2 id="4klnTY"><strong>Justin Harmon (6-foot-4, 180): From Utah Valley, via Barton CC (JuCo)</strong></h2>
<p id="tUecYZ">PROJECTION: Guard Depth</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4BkBo4ZolMb9MOsgFq8lRlyxlxo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24701568/Harmon_Smiling.jpg">
<figcaption>Can shoot it at times, but is no sniper. Athletic guard that can play with pace and an overall efficient player.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="NG6gkt">Good get for Underwood and Co. If Harmon can turn the ball over less (big if) and play with speed, he will be a welcome addition to the roster this fall. <strong>He will ease the burden of “having to” play Harris and/or Rodgers</strong> if they are struggling against high-major Big Ten foes. He will be a key factor in the early-season tilt with top-5 Marquette in November (Gavitt Games).</p>
<h2 id="nhOUNW"><strong>Marcus Domask (6-foot-6, 215): From Southern Illinois </strong></h2>
<p id="OrIfuH">PROJECTION: Guard Depth</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Syndication: The Oklahoman" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hc5ta_RT4h_XOm6Y1WEcAFkW_Ok=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24574443/usa_today_19403079.jpg">
<cite>NATHAN J FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK</cite>
<figcaption>Domask celebrates with teammates after a road kill at Oklahoma State. If he reminds you of Luke Goode, don’t be alarmed. He should.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="rXwOwb"><strong>Domask plays the most important position of need for Illinois: Shooter.</strong> After starting four years in The Valley at SIU, he will be a steady presence and will be a tremendous compliment to Goode. They will play at the same time and stretch the defense to give the big athletes at Illinois driving lanes to the bucket. </p>
<p id="caU0Ku">Domask shot 87.6% at the charity stripe last year. He can rebound and had a 3.8 Assist/TO rate. How much the jump in competition will effect those efficiency numbers is something to watch. Eye-popping 20.0 PER for Domask in his career.</p>
<h2 id="YuLAOo"><strong>Jeremiah Williams (6-foot-5, 185): Iowa State, via Temple</strong></h2>
<p id="eRJ0wB">PROJECTION: Early season starter</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Temple at Memphis" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/aaG2xFaFHu0NkFDnboaFkV34Z4c=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23348982/usa_today_17760675.jpg">
<cite>Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
<figcaption>Good-looking athlete with experience. Not a great shooter, but size and experience matter, particularly early in the season.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="1tSHVt">Williams eased the sting of RayJ Dennis going to Baylor instead of Champaign. He is not the player the caliber or quality of Dennis, but can compete for the PG spot, if he can stay healthy and get on the court. <strong>He owns a 2:1 Assist/TO ratio for his career.</strong> Health is a key factor for this player.</p>
<h4 id="DSJ4wX">(A reminder: Williams must submit a waiver to be able to play this season since it is his second transfer in two years.) </h4>
<h3 id="2yDTby"><strong>Here are the incoming freshman:</strong></h3>
<h3 id="PC7SuB"><strong>Amani Hansberry (6-foot-7, 225): Mount St. Joseph High School</strong></h3>
<p id="qsgQCm">PROJECTION: Front court depth</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8MFAzHoCkbSLEmL7y9cGtFXM20s=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24701579/amani_hansberry.jpg">
<cite>247 Sports</cite>
<figcaption>Hansberry on his visit to Champaign.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="QeEUje">Hansberry is ranked 67th in the ESPN100, with an overall scout grade of 84, good enough for four stars. What that means is largely up to interpretation. </p>
<p id="jrxm1l">Hansberry is somewhat raw athletically but has Rodgers on campus to ease the burden in that department. He has elite size and strength for a freshman. <strong>Hansberry slowly crept up the rankings as the prep season continued, solidifying his place as a potential contributor in his freshman campaign.</strong></p>
<p id="SCxgct">Underwood purports he is “well coached” and “very, very skilled.” I’ll tamper my expectations here a bit, because he won’t be thrust into minutes early in the season. Hansberry and Rodgers will fit like two athletic, skilled gloves in the seasons to come.</p>
<h3 id="ntA38M"><strong>Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (6-foot-1, 165): Word of God Christian Academy</strong></h3>
<p id="by31gh">Projection: Guard depth</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fCwjHSDG4gKANjuOOKehsVhCn0Y=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24701588/Gibbs_Lawhorn.jpeg">
<cite>247 Sports</cite>
<figcaption>Lawhorn shows glimpses of former Illinois phenom Andre Curbelo, but should be a more reliable shooter from downtown.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="R5ELa3">DGL fell rather precipitously in the rankings during his final high school season. That could be a harbinger of things to come, but could be a matter of circumstance. There is potential for a repeat of Skyy Clark with Lawhorn, but I’ll not judge that until it comes to fruition. He was originally committed to Matt Painter and Purdue, before re-opening his recruitment and signing with Illinois.</p>
<p id="22jEQ2"><strong>Lawhorn has immense skill at creating his own shot, as well as getting the other four on the court opportunities that other guards don’t afford</strong>. If he can stay focused on the task at hand, and not let off-the-court issues deter his trajectory, Lawhorn will be just what the doctor ordered.</p>
<h1 id="hPon3c"><strong>Illinois will likely be considered a Top-25 team in nearly every pre-season poll. Does that mean anything?</strong></h1>
<p id="z1oYQV">The short answer: maybe...maybe not. Probably not, but maybe it does. We’ll see. </p>
<p id="Kj4uY7">With Hawkins, TSJ, Goode, Dainja, Rodgers and Harris all back in the mix, Illinois should eclipse its ceiling from a season ago. </p>
<p id="OtpEzj">One thing is for certain: uncertainty.</p>
<p id="CFKEWs">My initial opinion is Illinois will make the tournament easily and be on the 4-7 seed line. Michigan State will be too good for Illinois to win the Big Ten. </p>
<p id="O5biMC">Here’s the spoiler from yours truly:<strong> </strong></p>
<p id="U5CX0M"><strong>ILLINOIS WILL MAKE THE SWEET 16 in the 2024 NCAA TOURNAMENT</strong></p>
<p id="g10rhK">Please take my scientific poll, and let your voice be heard. As always, leave your thoughts in the comments section. I’ll put the best one in my next column.</p>
<div id="z6WLXt"><div data-anthem-component="poll:11920581"></div></div>
<p id="b4LXVu">Buckle up, strap in and get ready. This season is more uncertain than the last. We wouldn’t want it any other way.</p>
<p id="SAk2tF">This is Illinois basketball.</p>
<p id="f9VxRL"> </p>
https://www.thechampaignroom.com/2023/6/4/23748424/brad-underwood-rebuilt-the-entire-roster-will-it-work-illinois-fighting-illini-ncaa-big-tenBrandt.Dolce2023-06-01T14:15:39-05:002023-06-01T14:15:39-05:00Illinois adds transfer PG Jeremiah Williams
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Temple at Memphis" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/k0GIzMJySkVv4fekmLFTxl-qj3M=/0x0:3600x2400/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72333044/usa_today_17760675.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Illini filled a need. </p> <p id="ogAdca">Illinois still added a point guard on Thursday.</p>
<p id="penQ4F">Despite missing out on highly touted transfer RayJ Dennis (who committed to Baylor), the Illini received a commitment from Iowa State guard Jeremiah Williams. </p>
<div id="IOPTBl">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="nl" dir="ltr">JwILL <a href="https://t.co/gCY63fV7tv">pic.twitter.com/gCY63fV7tv</a></p>— JWILL (@jeremiah0002) <a href="https://twitter.com/jeremiah0002/status/1664347110861316111?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2023</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p id="esVOLj">Williams hasn’t played since the 2021-22 season when he was at Temple. He transferred last season to Iowa State, but missed the entire season with an Achilles injury. </p>
<p id="Qx5pBd">He was expected to be the Cyclones starting point guard after he averaged 9.5 points and 4.3 assists per game with the Owls. </p>
<p id="uSkIrE">The 6-foot-4 guard is from Chicago and played finished his high school career at Simeon. He played two years at Temple (2020-22) and then sat out last season, so he technically should have three years of eligibility (including COVID season). </p>
<p id="jAvYfD">Williams will likely need a waiver to play this upcoming season since it would be his second transfer in two years. </p>
https://www.thechampaignroom.com/2023/6/1/23745823/illinois-adds-transfer-pg-jeremiah-williams-fighting-illini-ncaa-big-ten-iowa-state-brad-underwoodStephen Cohn2023-05-31T21:28:47-05:002023-05-31T21:28:47-05:00Coleman Hawkins withdraws from NBA Draft, returning to Illinois
<figure>
<img alt="2023 NBA Combine" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/EAv1oU-fp9KDplA3d65vI_9BLrY=/0x0:5273x3515/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72330382/1255963058.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Kamil Krzaczynski/NBAE via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Coleman is coming back. </p> <p id="R4M04M">Coleman is coming back. </p>
<p id="9D92cm">Two months after entering the NBA Draft, rising senior Coleman Hawkins withdrew his name from the field and announced Wednesday night he will be coming back to Illinois for one more season. </p>
<div id="K8Ipr6">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Coleman Hawkins is withdrawing from the NBA draft and returning to Illinois for his senior season, he told ESPN. Big day for Illinois who also retained leading scorer TJ Shannon. <a href="https://t.co/M6uLY2t9rW">pic.twitter.com/M6uLY2t9rW</a></p>— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) <a href="https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/1664096249375514625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2023</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<div id="r2dBUm">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Damn I ain’t even get a chance to post my video…</p>— Coleman Hawkins (@colehawk23) <a href="https://twitter.com/colehawk23/status/1664100960472387586?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2023</a>
</blockquote>
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<p id="gvnz8G">Hawkins had said in recent days that he wanted to know if a team was planning on drafting him before making his decision. The deadline to withdraw from the NBA Draft is Wednesday. </p>
<div id="7V9HHK">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Illini?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Illini</a> Coleman Hawkins has until Wednesday to make a decision if he will stay in the NBA draft or return to college basketball. Hawkins said he wants to know if a team is really interested in him before making his decision.<a href="https://t.co/jpHBErEw66">https://t.co/jpHBErEw66</a></p>— WCIA 3 Sports (@WCIA3sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/WCIA3sports/status/1663021115709480960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2023</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="qsqesQ">Not much of a factor in his freshman season, Hawkins had a much bigger role as a sophomore. Averaging almost 20 minutes a game, he recorded six double-digit scoring performances.</p>
<aside id="e7lyXt"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Coleman Hawkins declares for 2023 NBA Draft","url":"https://www.thechampaignroom.com/2023/3/28/23655257/coleman-hawkins-declares-for-nba-draft-illinois-fighting-illini-underwood-big-ten"}]}'></div></aside><p id="VmD8SQ">Hawkins was crucial in many wins last season, but every starter departing left him with big shoes to fill. </p>
<p id="tSvI2b">He became one of the leaders on this year’s Illinois squad, averaging 9.9 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game.</p>
<p id="5waJgd">One of his best games of the year was back in November, when he recorded the <a href="https://www.thechampaignroom.com/2022/11/29/23485395/a-great-moment-coleman-hawkins-records-first-career-triple-double-illinois-fighting-illini">fifth triple-double in program history.</a></p>
<p id="2Eheci">Hawkins’ creativity and inside presence were also complemented by his athletic ability. Multiple posterizing dunks made the Illini big man a human-highlight reel.</p>
https://www.thechampaignroom.com/2023/5/31/23741025/coleman-hawkins-withdraws-from-nba-draft-returning-to-illinois-fighting-illini-ncaaStephen CohnNoah-Cowell