Illini's Transfer Saga: Standing Pat or Adding a Ball-Handler?

0:00On April 22nd, John Blackwell just wrapped up his recruitment saga by committing to Duke on Tuesday. The Wisconsin transfer had Illinois looking like the top choice early on, but things cooled off, and now the Elini are out of the running for that. Guard spot, Brad Underwood Squad still has roster needs, especially at point guard. With the transfer port a winding down, options like Colgate's Jalen Cox or Tulsa's Tylen Riley pop up. But neither brings the size, shooting, or playmaking underwood craves. It's getting late in the game, so chasing those feels like a stretch. Fans and analysts are buzzing about alternatives, from international prospects, Underwood loves scouting overseas to high school gems like five star. Dylan Mingo, who just decommitted from North Carolina. Illinois already has Quentin Coleman lined up as a future lead guard though. Deeper look shows they might not need to move at all. Providence transfers to Fawnbacks can handle the ball. David Merkowitz creates plays, and even Tomaslav Ivisik runs some offense.

1:05Underwood trusts Coleman to step up big as a freshman. Most likely, the Elini stand pat with their pre-season top five roster. That keeps things simple, but adding an experienced ball handler could elevate them to title contenders. We'll see how Underwood plays it.