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Illinois Basketball: 5 Illini transfer targets to replace Adam Miller

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - JANUARY 18: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini is seen during the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at State Farm Center on January 18, 2020 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - JANUARY 18: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini is seen during the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at State Farm Center on January 18, 2020 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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LEXINGTON, VA – JANUARY 20: Noah Gurley #4 of the Furman Paladins dribbles by Greg Parham #5 of the VMI Keydets during a college basketball game on January 20, 2021 at the Cameron Hall in Lexington, Virginia. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, VA – JANUARY 20: Noah Gurley #4 of the Furman Paladins dribbles by Greg Parham #5 of the VMI Keydets during a college basketball game on January 20, 2021 at the Cameron Hall in Lexington, Virginia. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

3. Noah Gurley

One of the more underrated transfer targets for the Illini right now is Noah Gurley. He is a Furman forward who entered the transfer portal back on March 28.

Coming out of Fayette County High School, Gurley was relatively unknown. With only scholarships from Furman and Charleston Southern, the under-the-radar forward picked the Paladins. Everyone was sleeping on this kid, but he ended up proving the doubters wrong.

Gurley was an immediate success with Furman. He put up 8.8 points and 3.6 rebounds per game as a freshman. He followed that up with 14.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game as a sophomore. This past season was Gurley’s best, though. He ended the year averaging 15.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.1 blocks.

With a year of eligibility remaining, Gurley wants to take his talents to the next level. Illinois would be a perfect landing spot for him.

Why does Illinois basketball have a shot?

People are wondering why you would replace Adam Miller with a bigger player like Gurley. Simple, you just shift everyone over one spot and put Gurley at the No. 4. He can stretch the floor because of his scoring versatility.

Since Gurley announced he was transferring, the Illini have been in contact with him. They clearly see him as a priority if they are putting out feelers. Having more size is something Illinois needs as well. We went with a four-guard rotation last year, but having two players at the No. 4 and No. 5 who are both over 6-foot-8 would be ideal.

I honestly love Gurley’s game more than just about everyone on the transfer market. He could be an immediate impact player. Hopefully, Illinois continues putting resources into landing him.

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