The Illinois basketball team lost a member of the program on Wednesday afternoon.
Derek Piper of 247Sports reported yesterday that Matic Vesel has left the team. He will no longer be playing for the Orange and Blue, and there are some ramifications that come from this departure.
Matic Vesel has left the #Illini hoops program after one season, a team source confirmed to Illini Inquirer. Story & my take. https://t.co/erYCTPxNxA
— Derek Piper (@DPiper247) April 25, 2018
Illinois is losing a big body who could have developed into something eventually. Vesel wasn’t going to start next season and he might not have played too much in general, but he was another option at the No. 5. But, with that being said, him leaving the program might be better for both parties.
Like I said, Vesel wasn’t going to get much playing time in Brad Underwood’s offense. He didn’t fit the scheme well, in my opinion, and he wasn’t impactful year one. He only averaged .4 points, .5 rebounds and .3 assists per game as a freshman. As someone who probably played a decent amount overseas, it is probably better for his career that he goes somewhere else so he can see the floor.
This departure also helps the Illini as well. While I don’t like to see anyone leave the program, I am in favor of it if the departure is mutual. This seems like a mutual split. Vesel gets what he wants, and Illinois now has another scholarship available for the class of 2018 and beyond.
Over the past few weeks, the Illini have been in the news for the recruits they are close to snagging for 2018. There is the possibility of Francis Okoro reclassifying and becoming a member of the class of 2018. Bryce Golden is still floating out there and the chances of landing him aren’t terrible. And, yesterday, it was announced that Maurice Calloo is planning on taking an official visit to Champaign.
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There are options out there and Vesel departing will enable the Illini to continue building. I hope the kid finds what he is looking for in a basketball program, though. I want to see what is best for both parties and this seems like the right solution.