Illinois Basketball: Illini trying to get into the running for Nick Smith Jr.

The Illinois basketball coaching staff did a tremendous job building out the past three classes.

Brad Underwood has led this Illini program to great heights over the past four seasons, and continuing those winning ways moving forward is extremely important. That is why targeting big-time recruits is still a priority.

Nick Smith Jr. is one of those top recruits who Underwood is targeting. Smith hasn’t been a name most Illinois fans are familiar with, but he is clearly a priority to the Illini so far in the recruiting cycle. This was made clear when Tipton Edits tweeted out that Smith mentioned the Orange and Blue as one of the teams recruiting him the hardest.

The tweet that went out on Monday included a list of 15 programs that are all recruiting the talented wing. That list included Kentucky, Duke, Michigan, North Carolina, Arkansas, Texas, Baylor, Ole Miss, Alabama, Auburn, Texas Tech, Georgetown, Oregon, Oklahoma and Illinois.

This is a tough list for Illinois to beat, but there is a history starting to build of talented recruits coming to Champaign. So, I wouldn’t count the Illini out of the mix just yet.

Illinois basketball would go as Smith goes.

If Smith did end up picking the Illini, it would be a great steal for the program. Smith would be the focal point for the Illini offense.

Smith does everything well. He has the ability to get to the rim and finish. He has a solid shot from just about anywhere on the court. I love how Smith keeps his head up through contact. This enables him to make the right play if there is a man open. Smith isn’t just a great athlete, but he is a smart player on the court as well.

I know Smith is 6-foot-4, but he plays like he is 6-foot-8. The style of game reminds me a lot of Jayson Tatum despite the height difference. Illinois could use a player like Smith. He would start from day one at the No. 3 spot for the program. There isn’t a question in my mind he would instantly be the best player on the team.

Snagging a four-star recruit who is the No. 22 player in the class of 2022 would be big for the Illinois basketball program. I realize it is going to be difficult to land Smith, though. He released a top 10 back in January and didn’t include the Illini. But the fact Illinois is still pursuing him means there is something there. Let’s sit back and watch this play out.