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Illinois Basketball: Top transfer targets the Illini pursuing 2.0

By Rees Woodcock

COLLEGE PARK, MD - DECEMBER 07: A view of the Nike shoes worn by Alan Griffin #0 of the Illinois Fighting Illini with the words Have Fun written on the side during the first half of the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center on December 7, 2019 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MD - DECEMBER 07: A view of the Nike shoes worn by Alan Griffin #0 of the Illinois Fighting Illini with the words Have Fun written on the side during the first half of the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center on December 7, 2019 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – NOVEMBER 14: Michael Ertel #2 of the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks drives past Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans in the second half at Breslin Center on November 14, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – NOVEMBER 14: Michael Ertel #2 of the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks drives past Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans in the second half at Breslin Center on November 14, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

5. Michael Ertel

One of the newer names in the transfer portal is Michael Ertel. This is an interesting recruitment for the Illini to get into, but I believe the kid could be a solid piece if we could pick him up.

Coming out of Mount Vernon High School in Indiana, Ertel wasn’t a known commodity. He ended up committing to the University of Louisiana-Monroe. During his time with the Warhawks, Ertel shined. He averaged 11.6 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game as a freshman.

Ertel then increased his numbers year-to-year the next two seasons. As a sophomore, he averaged 15.5 points, 3 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. His best year was last season where he finished with 16.2 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game.

My ears perked up when I saw what Ertel can do on the court. Whatever team lands this kid will be getting a great scorer. It looks like Butler might be the eventual landing spot, though. He is fron Indiana and they are pursuing him. But it looks like Auburn and Illinois are both coming strong too.

I would love to add someone like Ertel to the mix. He is eligible immediately, which is fantastic. I believe we could slot him in as a primary back up at the No. 2 spot. He would fill the role that Alan Griffin played last season.

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