The Illinois basketball program has recently secured a major commitment from Will Riley, signifying it as one of the most prominent recruitments in the team’s history. According to the 247Sports composite rankings, Riley is the highest-rated recruit in a 22-year period, showcasing his potential and abilities. This commitment holds great significance for the future of the Illinois team and necessitates adjustments in the roster, particularly in projecting the team’s lineup for upcoming seasons, assuming Riley reclassifies to the class of 2024.
No. 1 Guard
Starter: Ty Rodgers (JR)
In spite of the addition of Will Riley, Ty Rodgers is expected to maintain his starting position as the No. 1 guard for the Illini. Having started in all 38 games for Illinois last season, Rodgers is a pivotal player and is anticipated to continue in this role for the 2024-25 campaign. His contribution as a sophomore, averaging 6.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, has solidified his position on the team. It is projected that the team will adopt a dual-point guard strategy, with both Rodgers and Kylan Boswell playing crucial roles in bringing the ball up the court, indicative of a shift towards positionless basketball.
Backup: Kasparas Jakucionis (FR)
The Illinois coaching staff has made significant progress in recruiting, particularly with players from overseas, with Kasparas Jakucionis emerging as a promising addition to the team. Despite being listed as a shooting guard, Jakucionis possesses a versatile skill set that extends beyond his designated position. A standout performance in the Adidas Next Generation Tournament, where he averaged 17.9 points, 9.0 assists, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.9 steals per game, highlights his potential to be a valuable asset for the Illini. It is envisaged that he will assume the role of primary backup at the No. 1 guard position, offering a potent offensive and defensive presence when coming off the bench behind Rodgers.
The commitment of Will Riley has undoubtedly brought about significant adjustments to the Illinois basketball roster, reflecting the team’s continual evolution and pursuit of excellence. With a dynamic group of players and a strategic lineup, the future looks promising for the Illini as they gear up for the upcoming seasons.