Illinois Basketball: Tevian Jones leaves Illini and enters transfer portal

The Illinois basketball team lost a second member of the family in the last 24 hours on Wednesday afternoon.

Brendan Quinn of The Athletic first reported that Illinois wing Tevian Jones has decided to enter his name into the transfer portal. The news of Jones’ transfer comes on the heels of Illini guard Alan Griffin departing the program on Tuesday night.

Jones entered the Illinois program as a four-star recruit who was the No. 118 player in the class of 2018 and the No. 27 small forward in the nation. He decided to pick the Illini instead of staying closer to Culver City, California where he resided.

The playing time wasn’t there for Jones throughout his career with the Orange and Blue. In year one, he showed promises of being a really good player with his athletic ability, but he couldn’t keep on the court. He did manage to average 9.2 minutes, 3.5 points and 1.4 rebounds, though.

Jones’ sophomore campaign didn’t start off well. He entered the season suspended due to academics, and this put him in the doghouse with Brad Underwood. Once Jones came out of the suspension, he struggled to see the floor for the Illini. This was probably a result of the suspension mixed in with some other Illini players emerging.

I wish Jones nothing but the best moving forward. He needs to make sure he keeps on the right track and not to get distracted. I think the kid has a lot of talent still left in him. But, honestly, this is the right decision for both parties.

Illinois is losing some depth at the No. 4 spot with Jones departing. He didn’t see much action this past season only averaging 5.2 minutes, 0.9 points and 0.8 rebounds, but it was always nice having him in certain spots. This departure won’t leave nearly the hole as the Griffin departure will.