Big Ten Offseason Evaluation Series: Illinois Returns Top Scorers, Has Point Guard Questions

In our Big Ten Offseason Evaluation Series, we'll break down what each team lost and gained this offseason, then provide analysis on the team's outlook for the upcoming 2023-24 season. First up, we'll discuss the Illinois Fighting Illini, who return All-Big Ten candidates Terrence Shanon Jr. and Coleman Hawkins but have point guard questions entering coach Brad Underwood's seventh season.

Illinois is coming off a 20-13 season in coach Brad Underwood's sixth year. After a seventh-place finish in the Big Ten, the Illini earned a No. 9 seed in the NCAA Tournament, where they lost their first-round game to No. 8 seed Arkansas.

Altogether, Illinois has gone through major roster movement this summer, losing five players and adding five newcomers.

In our Big Ten Offseason Evaluation Series, we'll break down what each team lost and gained this offseason, then provide analysis on the team's outlook for the upcoming 2023-24 season.

Let's take a look at the Illini.

(rankings per On3 Industry Average)

What they lost

• Pro/no eligibility: F Matthew Mayer
• Transfer portal: G Skyy Clark (Louisville), G Jayden Epps (Georgetown), C Brandon Lieb (Illinois State), G RJ Melendez (Georgia)
• By the numbers: Illinois lost two starters, Mayer (12.5 ppg) and Epps (9.5 ppg), along with a key bench piece in Melendez (6.0 ppg). Clark was a former five-star point guard recruit, but he left the program midseason. The 7-foot Lieb played just 16 games.

What they gained

• Transfer portal: F Marcus Domask (16.7 ppg at Southern Illinois), G Justin Harmon (14.0 ppg at Utah Valley), F Quincy Guerrier (9.0 ppg Oregon)
• Freshmen: F Amani Hansberry (No. 63), G Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (No. 120), G Niccolo Moretti (enrolled in January)

Roster

• Terrence Shannon Jr., 6-foot-6 senior guard 
• Coleman Hawkins, 6-foot-10 senior forward
• Justin Harmon, 6-foot-4 senior guard
• Marcus Domask, 6-foot-6 senior forward
• Quincy Guerrier, 6-foot-7 senior forward
• Dain Dainja, 6-foot-9 junior forward
• Sencire Harris, 6-foot-4 sophomore guard
• Ty Rodgers, 6-foot-6 sophomore guard
• Luke Goode, 6-foot-7 sophomore guard
• Niccolo Moretti, 6-foot-1 sophomore guard
• Amani Hansberry, 6-foot-8 freshman forward
• Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, 6-foot-1 freshman guard
• Scholarships available: 1

Illinois Fighting Illini forward Coleman Hawkins (33) and teammate Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) celebrate during the second half at State Farm Center / Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Biggest concerns

Illinois finished last in the Big Ten in 3-point shooting percentage (30.8) and first in turnovers (426) last year, both of which remain concerns heading into next season. With Jayden Epps and Skyy Clark leaving the program, Illinois' point guard situation is the main question mark. Terrence Shannon Jr. will certainly be one of the top guards in the Big Ten, but he operates best as a two guard. Other options include Sencire Harris and Ty Rodgers, who gained some experience running the point as freshmen, but neither are true point guards. Freshmen Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn and Niccolo Moretti project as future point guards, but it could take some time until they're ready to run a Big Ten offense, both physically and mentally. Utah Valley transfer Justin Harmon is another possibility, though he's played mostly shooting guard and will have an adjustment period joining the Big Ten. Illinois has a variety of options, but it could take some experimenting to find the right fit and team chemistry at point guard.

Reasons for optimism

Illinois got a major boost when first-team All-Big Ten guard Terrence Shannon Jr. and starting forward Coleman Hawkins withdrew from the NBA Draft and returned to Champaign. Shannon led the Illinois with 17.2 points per game last year, while Hawkins was first in rebounding and third in scoring. Both players are surefire All-Big Ten candidates and should provide stability and a veteran presence on a roster that experienced significant turnover. Big man Dain Dainja is back for another year after averaging 9.5 points and 5.5 rebounds, and Luke Goode and Ty Rodgers are candidates for breakout seasons with increased playing time. 

The bottom line

Illinois is a step below the Big Ten's best, but should still be in contention for a top-five conference finish and fourth consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament under coach Brad Underwood.

On Tuesday, look forward to the next part of our Big Ten Offseason Evaluation Series, featuring the Iowa Hawkeyes. 

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