There are still so many recruits the Illinois basketball team has their eye on for the class of 2020.
Not a single player has committed to this class, yet, but interest is there with the Illini bringing back and adding some solid talent for the upcoming season. In previous articles, I have mentioned names that the Illini are targeting. But one player who hasn’t been mentioned that I have been keeping my eye on is Jabri Abdur-Rahim.
Abdur-Rahim is a 6-foot-5, 185-pound small forward from Blair Academy in Blairstown, New Jersey. He is rated as a four-star recruit who is the No. 60 player in the class of 2020 and the No. 16 small forward in the nation. He is also the No. 3 player in the state of New Jersey as well.
Scott Richey of The News-Gazette had a chance to talk to Abdur-Rahim about his recruitment and where Illinois stands with him. Abdur-Rahim goes on to mention that the Illini are trying to do something special with the program. That he sees what talent they have with Ayo Dosunmu coming back and the addition of Kofi Cockburn.
One point that Abdur-Rahim makes is the Illinois coaching staff is talking to him about the culture change that is happening with the Illini. How they want him to be a part of that culture change. I think this is a perfect pitch for Orange and Blue right now.
Abdur-Rahim would be a great addition to this Illinois basketball team. In one of my recent articles, I have two scholarships that I want to be used on the No. 3 spot on the team. Moving forward, I believe Tevian Jones is the only player at that position right now.
Adding someone like Abdur-Rahim would help solve the hole that is at the No. 3 spot. He has shown his skills most recently in the Nike EYBL. He suits up for Playaz Club and has lit the world on fire. Abdur-Rahim is averaging 25.2 points, 8 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1 steal per game. Those are impressive numbers.
Illinois is, at least, in Abdur-Rahim’s mind when it comes to recruiting. It would be nice if we could get an official visit from the kid. He is a player who could help take this program over the top.