Illinois Basketball: Illini move a step closer to landing Chaundee Brown

The Illinois basketball team just moved one step closer to landing one of the biggest offseason transfers.

On Saturday night, Wake Forest transfer Chaundee Brown posted his top four on his Twitter page. The top four teams consisted of Gonzaga, LSU, Iowa State and Illinois. This would be a huge get for the Illini and one that would pay massive dividends down the road.

Brown was a big-time recruit coming out of The First Academy in Orlando, Florida. He was rated as a four-star recruit who was the No. 36 player in the class of 2017 and the No. 6 shooting guard in the nation. He was also the No. 5 player in the state of Florida.

A number of teams were after the talented shooting guard, but Wake Forest ended up winning out. While with the Demon Deacons, Brown put up some big numbers. He averaged 7.6 points, 3 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game as a freshman.

As a sophomore, Brown improved on his numbers. He put up 11.9 points, 5 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game in year two. This past season was his best year, though. He ended his junior campaign averaging 12.1 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game.

Brown is now looking for a new home and has four teams in mind. The Illini being one of the programs he is eyeing is exciting. We could use a player like Brown in the near future. Of course, the playmaking guard will have to sit out a year and then he is eligible in 2021-22.

But that is perfect for the Orange and Blue. This upcoming season, while I am nervous about the guard situation, I think we can get by with what we have on the roster. But we are losing both Trent Frazier and Da’Monte Williams to graduate. Adam Miller and Andre Curbelo might end up going to the NBA as well. That means we need guard help.

Brown would be a great piece to add for the Illini. There will be a starting guard spot available for him if he decides to come to Champaign. This would be a massive get for Brad Underwood and his coaching staff.