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Illinois Basketball: Illini target Jason Jitoboh has hard work paying off

By Rees Woodcock

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 15: A detail view of the March Madness logo that is embossed into the official tournament basketballs is seen during an open public practice during the practice day before the first round of the 2018 NCAA Tournament on March 15, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena, in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 15: A detail view of the March Madness logo that is embossed into the official tournament basketballs is seen during an open public practice during the practice day before the first round of the 2018 NCAA Tournament on March 15, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena, in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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The Illinois basketball team offering Jason Jitoboh a scholarship this past week was both big for the program and for Jitoboh as a player.

Jitoboh is a 6-foot-10, 270-pound big man from Hamilton Heights Christian Academy in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He is rated as a three-star recruit who is the No. 189 player in the class of 2019 and the No. 35 center in the nation.

Illinois’ need for a solid No. 5 has been the talk of the town for quite some time now. To add to the struggles at this position, likely starter Greg Eboigbodin decided to transfer away from the program just a few days ago as well. I think the starting spot will go to Samba Kane and the Illini will be okay, but their depth took a big blow with the departure of Eboigbodin.

Getting a player like Jitoboh would help in developing some depth at this position. That is why the offer by the Illini was a good move. Jitoboh liked the move as well. He likes to see his hard work finally paying off.

“When coach called me, I thought he was just calling to check on me like he has been over the past week,” said Jitoboh, “But Coach Walker handed the phone to the head coach and they offered me. I was honored because it is showing my hard work is paying off.”

This hard work Jitoboh is talking about has shown through his play on the court. He has done some great things at the high school level and during AAU basketball this summer. He currently plays for the Woodz Elite AAU program out of Arkansas. He is averaging 10.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game which helped his team to the Peach Jam this season.

Despite the great play by Jitoboh, he wants to continue developing his game. He wants to become a better player on the court and in the weight room.

“AAU season went great before I got injured,” said Jitoboh, “I’m working on my body a lot this summer and adding to my offensive game.”

Jitoboh had a foot injury halfway through the season. He mentioned to the Writing Illini that he will only be out three more weeks and then he will be good to go.

This foot injury hasn’t slowed down the recruiting attention, though. Jitoboh continues to get offers from big-time programs including the Illini.

“My recruitment really blew up this summer,” said Jitoboh, “Tennessee, Florida and Louisville really have been recruiting hard.”

With the recent offer from Illinois, I wondered if he had an unofficial visit in mind and where he had visited already.

“I visit Tennessee on Monday, and I haven’t visited Florida yet,” said Jitoboh, “I will have to talk to my coach about visiting Illinois.”

It sounds like Jitoboh is taking his recruitment one step at a time. This is an important process, and you don’t want to rush something this big. That means a commitment is probably not coming too soon either. But, what it does sound like is Illinois will be getting some attention from this rising big man.

Next: Projected Illini starting lineup without Greg Eboigbodin

Illinois needs more depth at the No. 5 spot and Jitoboh would fit that bill. He continues to get teams recruiting him every day, though. This one will be a tough get, but I think the Illini could end up in the discussion.

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