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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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WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 9: Jaire Grayer #5 of the George Mason Patriots drives to the basket against Nick Robinson #5 of the Saint Joseph’s Hawks in the Quarterfinals of the Atlantic 10 Basketball tournament at Capital One Arena on March 9, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 9: Jaire Grayer #5 of the George Mason Patriots drives to the basket against Nick Robinson #5 of the Saint Joseph’s Hawks in the Quarterfinals of the Atlantic 10 Basketball tournament at Capital One Arena on March 9, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

4. Jaire Grayer

Illinois could always use more scoring help. There were multiple players who could hit a three-pointer for the Illini this past season, but we lost one with Aaron Jordan graduating. We need to fill his spot with another sharpshooting three-point specialist. Jaire Grayer might be a good option here.

Grayer is a 6-foot-5, 200-pound guard from Flint, Michigan. He spent four seasons with George Mason and has developed into a talented shooter. It might be difficult to snag this kid as a graduate transfer, though. I am sure he will have teams calling.

This past season, with George Mason, was really solid. Grayer finished the year averaging 19.5 minutes and, in that time, he put up 8.8 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game. His shooting was off the charts as well. He shot 41.2-percent from the field and was 40.5-percent from three-point range.

Illinois has holes at the backup No. 2 and No. 3 spots on the team. I think bringing in someone like Grayer to fill in either one of those positions would be ideal. He would provide a spark off the bench. His three-point shooting would be exciting in Brad Underwood’s offense as well.

I hope Illinois can land this kid. I wouldn’t be shocked if Michigan State ends up calling him since he is from Flint. Grayer’s dad was a basketball player at Iowa State as well, so they might be calling too. This might be a tough one but if Illinois could land him, the team would improve instantly.

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