Illinois Basketball: Illini recruiting big board for 2022 as of June 14

7. Colin Smith

I think Colin Smith is going to be a steal for someone in the class of 2022, and I am hoping it is for the Illinois basketball program. This kid can play and would be a great addition in the paint for the Orange and Blue.

Smith is a 6-foot-8, 200-pound power forward from St. Mark’s High School and resides in Dallas, Texas. He is rated as a four-star recruit and ranked as the No. 102 player in the class of 2022. He is also the No. 20 power forward in the nation and the No. 10 player in the state of Texas.

A lot of big-time programs have offered Smith a scholarship, and his official visits have started as well. Smith took his first official visit to Vanderbilt this past weekend, so there are four more official visits still left to take.

Prediction/Analysis

With one official visit off the boards, you would think Vanderbilt has the lead for Smith as of right now. But I think Illinois might end up getting in the running here in the short term.

Back in April, Illinois and Vanderbilt were two schools Smith mentioned as destinations he wanted to visit. This gives me some hope that the Illini will be able to host Smith.

There are a ton of teams interested in Smith, so think this recruitment isn’t anywhere near finished. If Illinois can get an official visit in the next month or so, then I think we have a chance. But this one is looking like a potential uphill climb.