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Illinois Basketball: Top 3 Illini recruiting targets after missing on Cam Whitmore

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - FEBRUARY 24: An Illinois Fighting Illini cheerleader is seen before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at State Farm Center on February 24, 2020 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - FEBRUARY 24: An Illinois Fighting Illini cheerleader is seen before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at State Farm Center on February 24, 2020 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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CHAMPAIGN, IL – MARCH 08: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini is seen before the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at State Farm Center on March 8, 2020 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Illinois basketball missed out on one of the top recruits in the nation on Thursday afternoon.

Cam Whitmore had the Illini in his top three, but on Thursday, he would announce that he would be heading to Villanova to play for the Wildcats. This is a blow to the Illini class of 2022 as there aren’t a ton of recruits left on the board.

While the numbers are dwindling, there are a few top targets I think would be good for the Orange and Blue. I feel like one of the targets is close to making a decision as well.

Here are the top three Illinois basketball recruiting targets after missing on Cam Whitmore.

1. Ty Rodgers

The obvious top target for the Illinois basketball team right now is forward, Ty Rodgers.

Rodgers is a 6-foot-7, 195-pound small forward from Thornton High School and resides in Harvey, Illinois. He is rated as a four-star recruit and is ranked as the No. 63 player in the class of 2022. He is also the No. 17 small forward in the nation and was the No. 1 player in the state of Michigan before transferring.

When Rodgers attended Grand Blanc Community High School, Illinois coaches visited him on numerous occasions. He has now transferred over to Thornton High School in Illinois, and already the Illini staff has been up to see him.

In addition to the multiple visits from Illinois coaches, Rodgers has also visited Champaign. He was down to see the Illini back on September 19.

I would make an argument that Illinois is in the lead for Rodgers right now based on how much recruiting activity there is around the kid. The Illini have been putting in a ton of time and energy, and it seems like Rodgers likes the program.

If Illinois doesn’t land Rodgers, it will be a big hit to the team. I feel like they are so close to bringing him aboard, and we need more talent for 2022. As of right now, Illinois’ class of 2022 has fallen outside the top 25. Rodgers would help shoot the Illini up the rankings and, most likely, into the top 15.

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