Projected Illinois basketball lineup to start the 2026-27 season

I can’t believe I am saying this, but the Illinois basketball team plays a game this week.

The Illini travel to Cincinnati to take on the Bearcats in an exhibition game this Saturday, October 17. While I don’t believe it is televised, the game does start at 4:00 p.m. CT/5:00 p.m. ET.

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Illinois has a lot of hype this season, starting the year in the top five in a lot of polls. We have plenty of talent returning, and there are some key players who have been added to the roster.

The starting lineup will look similar to that of last year. The Illinois backcourt will be different, though. Losing Keaton Wagler and Kylan Boswell hurts, but Brad Underwood did a great job replacing them.

Here is the projected Illinois basketball lineup for the Cincinnati exhibition game

No. 1 Guard

Starter: Quentin Coleman (FR)

I think the Illinois backcourt is essentially positionless. Anyone can bring the ball up and get the offense going. I have Quentin Coleman starting at the No. 1 guard spot. He should be able to do everything a point guard can do, plus he can be an electric scorer. I am excited to see his development as a freshman.

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Backup: Lucas Morillo (FR)

Underwood loves the big guards, and that is what Illinois is getting with Lucas Morillo. Morillo and Coleman might end up being the Keaton Wagler and David Mirkovic from last season. Coleman will get all the shine, but Morillo will have a great freshman season and be crucial to Illinois’ success. It wouldn’t shock me to see him start a few games in 2026-27, too.

I don’t think Illinois will need Ethan Brown in 2026-27. He will play some when games get out of hand, but his presence in the future will be needed. While players don’t redshirt anymore, year one for Brown should be about development for the future.

No. 2 Guard

Starter: Stefan Vaaks (SO)

Illinois got one of the gems of the transfer portal with the addition of Stefan Vaaks. He averaged 15.6 points per game as a freshman, and he came back for his second year in the…

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Publish date : 2026-10-12 16:30:00

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