Illinois Basketball: 2022 PF Jalen Washington receives Illini offer

The Illinois basketball program offered a high-priority recruit, targeting Indiana’s No. 1 player, Jalen Washington.

Washington, a 6-foot-8, 200-pound power forward, becomes Illinois’ latest offer from the 2022 class. He is listed as a five-star recruit and the No.1 player in the state of Indiana. Washington attends West Side High School in Gary and has racked up some major offers from power-five and other mid-major institutions.

Including the Orange and Blue, Washington has received offers from Big Ten counterparts Iowa and Indiana, along with Louisville, DePaul, and Alabama to name a few.

The Illini offered Washington on November 23, as the team gears up for what could be its most memorable season in over a decade. Building for the future, however, is also just as important as on-court success and accolades.

Washington recently came off season-ending knee surgery, according to The Daily Hoosier, which wiped out his sophomore year entirely. He also dealt with lingering injuries his freshman year while still making an active contribution to the roster, averaging 12 points and 8 rebounds per game.

In the Q&A session, Washington felt that he has learned a lot about himself since his injuries

"”One thing I’ve learned about myself is once you are locked in on a goal, there’s really nothing that can take you off your path for reaching that goal,” he said. “As far as help, prayer, obviously parents and siblings, my coaches and my friends have all been giving me a lot of support.”"

Despite limited action from the high-profile power-forward, the Cougars did what they could to salvage the 2019-2020 season, finishing 13-9 overall and 5-1 in league play.

What could Jalen Washington bring to Champaign?

Now fully healthy, Washington should have a lot to look forward to as he goes through his final two seasons with the Cougars. While undergoing rehabilitation, Washington was able to get back into his basketball mindset, competing in a Nike Elite 100 invite in June.

From the brief clip, Washington has a solid put-back and excellent long-range skills. Brad Underwood is keen on big men who can do it all, and Washington would fit his scheme well.

Hopefully, the Illini can win out and snag the big man in a tight but early recruiting spree.