Just how good can Illinois Basketball be in 2024-2025?

Illinois Basketball is just about one week from officially starting its 2024 season. Though there is plenty of talent, it is rather difficult to project how well this team will gel together. As talented as Kasparas Jakucionis, Will Riley and Tomislav Ivisic are, the three have never played a single minute of high-major college basketball. The Illini will need to be tough as their non-conference schedule will certainly challenge them. After a recent run to the Elite Eight, however, Illinois basketball fans now expect nothing less than success. Can they attain that this year?

Thoughts from Ant Wright (@ItsAntWright)

This Illinois basketball team has the potential to be special. Frankly, the preseason AP poll missed the mark by leaving them out of the Top 25. The AP voters don’t always dig deep enough into teams, and they’re certainly overlooking what makes this Illinois roster a championship contender. I’m excited for the Illini because they will have real guards controlling the floor. Illinois has been talented over the past few years but lacked that critical floor general to manage tempo, get teammates in the right spots, and make high-IQ plays in times of chaos.

Illinois backcourt potential

Kasparas Jakucionis and Kylan Boswell give Illinois two capable leaders who can dictate the pace, create scoring opportunities, and anchor the defense. Additionally, Dravyn Gibbs-Lawhorn injects athleticism and scoring ability. This trio gives  Illinois a complete backcourt, capable of handling both ends of the floor with poise and power. The most underrated weapon is having another style of play to utilize. Through the years, we have seen Brad able to adjust to his personnel.

On the wings, they’ll boast elite length that few teams can match; Wings who have versatile skill sets on both the perimeter and in the paint. Brad Underwood has steadily built this program so fans and analysts can trust his system and approach. He’s earned that respect, through wins, commitment to player development, and putting the right mix on the floor. Brad Underwood has the pieces for something special. I would not be surprised to see them win another Big Ten title and position themselves as a tournament seed.

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