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Illinois Basketball: Top 4 best options for the Illini class of 2021

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - FEBRUARY 24: An Illinois Fighting Illini cheerleader is seen before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at State Farm Center on February 24, 2020 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - FEBRUARY 24: An Illinois Fighting Illini cheerleader is seen before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at State Farm Center on February 24, 2020 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO – MARCH 14: The Illinois Fighting Illini cheer team runs around the court against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during a first round game of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 14, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois. Illinois defeated Minnesota 51-49. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

3. Wesley Cardet

While Illinois lost out on a player previously on these lists, there is also a new name that is emerging. Wesley Cardet is someone Illinois fans should get familiar with quickly.

Cardet has the size of a small forward standing at 6-foot-6, 175-pounds, but the talented West Oaks Academy recruit actually fits in better as a guard. 247Sports has Cardet as the No. 54 player in the class of 2021 and the No. 5 combo guard in the nation. The Illini are making a hard push for this kid, and it seems like they are making up some ground.

Illinois could always use more guard help moving forward as well. With Ayo Dosunmu, Trent Frazier and Da’Monte Williams all likely departing after this season, and the potential for Adam Miller and Andre Curbelo to be gone after the 2021 campaign, the Illini will need depth to replace these talented guards. Cardet could come in and potentially see starts from day one.

Early playing time is something Cardet is actually looking for. In an interview with the Writing Illini, the talented wing said he wants to play for a coach who will give him a fair opportunity to contribute as a freshman. That opportunity could come in the form of the Illini.

Alabama is the apparent leader right now according to 247Sports, but I don’t think that is the case. I think Cardet’s recruitment is wide open at this point. He also mentioned to the Writing Illini that a list cut to 10 teams could come in November and that he is looking to make his decision next April during the signing period. I would keep an eye out for the Orange and Blue with this recruitment.

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