Illinois Basketball: Review of the Illini point guard outlook

Potential

If you are an Illinois fan, Andre Curbelo is a big reason to be excited about the future of the program. He should be around for at least two seasons, which means we have him through the 2021-22 campaign.

But, as discussed in the previous slide, Curbelo’s backup in the future is probably not on the roster right now. The potential in the recruiting market is out there, though.

Let’s first start off by saying that the transfer market is an option too. Getting an experienced backup No. 1 guard might not be a bad idea in the 2021 offseason. But the transfer market is always tough to win, so let’s focus on getting recruits into the program.

The class of 2021 isn’t looking great for a backup point guard in the future. Illinois seems to be in the running for a few players right now, all checking in at over 6-foot-5. 6-foot-6, 175-pound Wesley Cardet is probably the best option, but he is more of a No. 2 guard or a wing. The class of 2022 is looking way more promising for Curbelo’s sidekick.

Some names to keep an eye on for 2022 would be Mason Manning, a 6-foot-1, 170-pound point guard. Rated as a three-star and ranked as the No. 117 player, Manning has the shot of a No. 2 guard but the vision and court command of a seasoned point guard.

Another name to watch is Jayden Pierre out of Long Island Lutheran. After a recent transfer to LuHi from Elizabeth High School, Pierre is ready to take his talents to another level. Rated as a four-star recruit and ranked as the No. 107 player in his class, this talented point guard has a great ability to score in the lane and take control over a game. He reminds me a lot of Rajon Rondo as far as the flow of his game goes.

These two players, along with more who are emerging, should help fix the depth issues at point guard. The No. 1 guard position is arguably the most important on the court. Let’s make sure we have talent in this key area.