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Illinois Basketball: 5 transfers who could help the Illini next season

By Rees Woodcock

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 14: Members of the Illinois Fighting Illini watch the final minute from the bench against the Iowa Hawkeyes at the United Center on March 14, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. Iowa defeated Illinois 83-62. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 14: Members of the Illinois Fighting Illini watch the final minute from the bench against the Iowa Hawkeyes at the United Center on March 14, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. Iowa defeated Illinois 83-62. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBUS, OH – DECEMBER 09: William & Mary Tribe guard Justin Pierce (23) and Ohio State Buckeyes guard Musa Jallow (2) watch as a free throw shot goes in during a game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the William & Mary Tribe on December 9, 2017 at Value City Arena in Columbus, OH. (Photo by Adam Lacy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH – DECEMBER 09: William & Mary Tribe guard Justin Pierce (23) and Ohio State Buckeyes guard Musa Jallow (2) watch as a free throw shot goes in during a game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the William & Mary Tribe on December 9, 2017 at Value City Arena in Columbus, OH. (Photo by Adam Lacy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. Justin Pierce

Finding an athletic wing who can shoot the ball should be a priority this offseason. That is why I think Justin Pierce would be a good fit with this program. He is what we are looking for.

Pierce is a 6-foot-7, 215-pound guard who just finished up his third season with William & Mary. He is an in-state transfer, so the Illini have that to their benefit. But, Illinois isn’t just competing against a few teams for his commitment. He has a bunch of programs coming for his services.

Jeff Borzello of ESPN tweeted out on Saturday that Illinois has reached out to Pierce already. He also reported that 25 other programs have also reached out to him. Some of the more dangerous names include Michigan, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Purdue and Northwestern. It would be bad if he picked a Big Ten team other than Illinois.

I like the potential of Pierce on the Illini roster. I have Ayo Dousnmu, Trent Frazier, Tevian Jones, Giorgi Bezhanishvili and Kofi Cockburn as the starting five right now. I see Pierce starting in place of Jones but having a timeshare with him. I think that would be best for the program.

Adding Pierce would be great. He would give this Illini team more experience. He is also a nice big body that can shoot. I would like this addition.

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