Illinois basketball lost out on one of the top recruits in the nation and one of the best in-state players when Bryce Hopkins picked Kentucky.
This was the second time Illinois has been left out to dry with Hopkins. The first time around, he picked Louisville over the rest of the teams vying for his commitment. This time, Illinois was actually a player in the recruitment and was arguably one of the top three teams. But, at the end of the day, Hopkins picked the Wildcats.
Where does that leave Illinois?
Well, we already have a great player in Luke Goode committed for 2021. This kid can ball and will be an asset to the Illini in his first year with the program. But we need more help than just Goode.
Honestly, Illinois could use another player at a couple of positions when the 2021-22 campaign rolls around. But there aren’t too many recruits left on the board. The number of options is dwindling quickly with most of the top 100 already committed.
So, who will the Illini end up adding to finish out the class of 2021? That is the question everyone wants answered.
Here are three options for the Illini after missing out on Bryce Hopkins.