The Illinois basketball recruiting spree continues, as 2022 guard Dillon Mitchell becomes one of the Orange and Blue’s latest offers.
Mitchell becomes one of the newest 2022 targets that the Illini are looking to pursue. At 6-foot-8, 180 pounds, the small forward and guard was offered by Illinois on May 18, adding to a long list of looks for the four-star recruit. Other schools of note include Auburn, Ohio State, Miami (FL), Penn State, and Texas A&M, to name a few.
Mitchell attends Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School and hails from Spring Hill, Florida, which is just outside of the Tampa area. As for his squad, Mitchell and the Hurricanes finished with a stellar 22-7 record during the 2020-21 season. Its resume included an unblemished home record at 8-0 and a six-game winning streak during the ladder part of the schedule. Victories included Bayshore Christian, Charlotte, Fivey, Berkley Prep, Mitchell, and Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate.
Beyond blessed to receive an offer from The University Of Illinois 🧡. All glory to god for this opportunity! 🙏🏽 @sreece24 @seancampbell400 @reale1t1 @DerrickSharp @RussHoops @JakePerper @MaxFeldman6 @BishopMHoops @VerbalCommits @BayAreaHoopsfl pic.twitter.com/w1n7l6YK1O
— Dillon Mitchell (@Dillonmit_23) May 18, 2021
The Hurricanes would finish the season with an overtime defeat at the hands of Calvary Christian Academy in its second round playoff game, 85-76. The loss snapped a four-game winning streak during the home stretch of the season, and while the Hurricanes didn’t qualify for the state championship, it could lead to a sign of better things to come for the program.
What would a Dillon Mitchell commitment mean for Illinois basketball?
As the Illini usher in a new era of talent under head coach Brad Underwood, it is critical that the Orange and Blue capitalize on one of these higher-ranked prospects. Mitchell is currently the No. 18 player in the state of Florida and comes in as the No. 37 small forward for his class.
Check out his mixtape from Courtside Films, which features a dual highlight from Mitchell and fellow teammate, Emanuel Sharp. It is apparent that both men feed off of each other’s success and are a scary one-two punch for any opposition to deal with.
Mitchell averaged 17.6 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game last winter. His game continues to improve year in and year out, as his recruitment is starting to take shape.
Illinois will surely remain in the running for Mitchell throughout the summer and beyond, as his stock continues to rise.