Illinois Basketball: 2022 SF Gradey Dick hearing from Illini

In the past 24 hours, the Illinois basketball team has done a lot of groundwork for the class of 2022.

While the class of 2021 isn’t even close to being set yet, the class of 2022 is going to need to be special. Illinois has been able to recruit better since Brad Underwood has taken the reins, so that means players will depart the program earlier as they enter the NBA Draft. Reloading every season is going to be key. That is why the Illini targeting someone like Gradey Dick is important.

Dick is a 6-foot-7, 195-pound small forward from Sunrise Christian Academy and resides in Wichita, Kansas. He is rated as a four-star recruit who is the No. 34 player in the class of 2022 and the No. 9 small forward in the nation. He is also the No. 2 player in the state of Kansas.

On Monday, multiple outlets reported that teams from all over the country were in contact with Dick. Among the myriad of programs was the Fighting Illini. Illinois trying to get into the mix is exciting, but they are going to have to compete with some of the best programs in the nation.

What would Dick bring to the Illini?

I want to first start off with the shooting ability of the young forward. This kid can hit shots from anywhere on the court. His mid-range game looks amazing. I love Dick’s ability to step back and hit the three-point shot as well. He is a well-rounded shooter.

The height this kid already has is amazing too. Considering Dick still has a couple of years left in high school, he is already 6-foot-7 and will continue to grow. I would say he could turn into a 6-foot-10 monster forward, much like a Kevin Durant type of player.

I love that the Illini are getting in on the Dick recruitment. This kid is extremely talented and will only continue to improve. Let’s see if the Orange and Blue can make some waves.