Illinois Basketball: My dream class of 2021 for the Illini
Bryce Hopkins – Top 9
I know this still sounds like a pipe dream and it probably is, but as long as Bryce Hopkins has the Illinois basketball team in his top nine, I will keep him on this list.
Hopkins, a 6-foot-7, 220-pound power forward who hails from Fenwick High School, is rated as a four-star recruit who is the No. 30 player in the class of 2021 and the No. 7 power forward in the nation. He is also the second-best player to come out of Illinois in this class.
The Hopkins recruitment has been a roller coaster so far. After an official visit back in November 2019, the talented power forward decided to end his recruitment and commit to Louisville. That commitment lasted a while until the Cardinals ended up in some hot water, which enabled Hopkins to back away from his pledge on August 9 of this year.
As soon as Hopkins reopened his recruitment, a myriad of programs came in with scholarship offers. Some of the bigger teams to offer the in-state talent included Kentucky, Michigan and DePaul. Thankfully, Illinois had already offered him and just continued their pursuit.
A variety of programs have also had a chance to virtually visit with Hopkins over the last few months. This list includes Illinois, among others. But the “experts” over at 247Sports have their Crystal Balls pointed at Kentucky as the eventual landing spot for Hopkins.
The most recent Crystal Ball prediction for Hopkins came back on September 18. But, honestly, who knows where the kid will end up going. He doesn’t even know who he wants as his top five, let alone where he will pledge his commitment. I would bet it is a complete guess when I see Kentucky as the prediction.
Next. Illini target Bryce Hopkins will choose from top 9. dark
At the end of the day, Hopkins might end up at Kentucky. It wouldn’t shock me at all. But Illinois is by no means out of this recruitment. We have a lot to offer this kid, and he may see that at the end of the day.