Illinois Basketball: Projected roster rotation and minutes for 2024-25 season

Power Forward

Projected starter: Ben Humrichous (24 mpg)

Ben Humrichous comes to Illinois after spending a season at Evansville, where he led the Purple Aces in points with 14.7 PPG while averaging 4.7 RPG and nearly two APG. Now entering his final season of collegiate eligibility, Humrichous expects to make his impact on the perimeter, where he shot 48.4% from the field and 41.4% from three last season. 

However, with a 6-foot-9, 220-pound frame, Humrichous is a three-level scorer who shot 68% at the rim, according to College Basketball Scouting, meaning it's possible that Underwood resorts to the high-post post-ups actions (i.e. “booty ball”) with Humrichous, similar to what they did with Marcus Domask last year. Yes, the booty ball may be back in Champaign.

Bench: Carey Booth (10 mpg)

Carey Booth committed to Illinois after a strong freshman season at Notre Dame, averaging 6.4 PPG and 4.3 RPG. Booth was instrumental in Notre Dame’s strong finish to the regular season, starting in the Fighting Irish’s final 12 games. Despite the undeniable upside, it's hard to envision the rim-protecting stretch forward logging a high volume of minutes on this year’s roster. However, Booth will be an excellent long-term piece if he sticks it out in Champaign.

Bench: Jake Davis (6 mpg)

Jake Davis was the first domino to fall amidst the flurry of offseason moves, committing to Illinois in early April. Davis, who averaged nine PPG and 4.5 RPG as a freshman last season at Mercer, is another excellent long-term piece. However, consistent minutes will be hard to come by entering the 2024-25 season.