The Illinois basketball team is trying to get in the mix for a class of 2019 big man who could really help this program.
On Sunday, Antwan January announced on Twitter that he had received a scholarship offer from the University of Illinois. This is a big offer from the Illini because they need someone of January’s size and ability in the paint.
January is a 6-foot-10, 240-pound center from Santa Monica High School in Santa Monica, California. He is rated as a four-star recruit who is the No. 87 player in the class of 2019 and the No. 20 center in the nation. He is also the No. 10 player to come out of the state of California as well.
A little later on Sunday, Jake Weingarten of Stockrisers reported that the Illini were actually in to see January that day. What this means to me is that Illinois wants this kid and is willing to travel across the country to show this fact.
Illinois was in today for 2019 four-star Antwan January, source told Stockrisers.
— Jake (@jakeweingarten) October 28, 2018
They have also extended an offer, source added.
January is suiting up for Hillcrest Prep this season. That high school is out in Arizona and is widely regarded as one of the best basketball prep schools in the country. He made this announcement just about three weeks ago.
It might be really tough for the Illini to be able to get in on the January recruitment. Back on August 12, he announced on Twitter that he cut his list down to nine teams and included Florida State, Nevada, Boise State, New Mexico, Kansas State, Texas A&M, Texas Tech and Washington State. If the Illini can get in on his recruitment, it would be huge for the program.
Obviously, January would fit in great with the Illinois basketball team. This kid reminds of a Joel Embiid type of player. He is super athletic but possesses solid big man skills around the hoop. January is a really good rebounder who has raw natural talent that is just waiting to be refined. This kid is going to be really good.
I want Illinois to get in on January’s recruitment. It would be fun to watch him run with the likes of Ayo Dosunmu and Trent Frazier. This team could so some special things with January in the lineup.