Illinois Basketball: Illini recruiting targets move in updated 247Sports 2023 rankings

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CHAMPAIGN , IL – NOVEMBER 13: The Illinois Fighting Illini logo on a pair of shorts during a college basketball game against the Georgetown Hoyas at the State Farm Center on November 13, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /

5. Darrin Ames

A name that is emerging for the Illinois basketball program is Darrin “Dai Dai” Ames. He is starting to establish himself as a prime top 100 recruit and remained one in the latest 247Sports rankings.

Ames was the No. 64 player coming into Wednesday, and in the updated rankings, 247Sports keeps the talented guard at the No. 64 spot. They essentially solidified Ames as a top 70 recruit and it seems they believe he will stay in the top 100 for the rest of his high school career.

The recruitment of Ames is going to start really picking up this winter. He has roughly nine scholarship offers on the table right now, but that number is about to shoot up greatly. Obviously, Illinois is one of those offers, and they may have a shot at landing him.

Like JJ Taylor, Ames is a member of the Kenwood Academy basketball program, and he is also with the Mac Irvin Fire on the AAU circuit. The class of 2023 is so strong with Chicago area recruits, and Ames is a part of that mix.

Just this past weekend, Ames was with Taylor when they visited Champaign and the Illini practice. I think having them both come play at Illinois would be a great idea. They would be a package deal of sorts.

Illinois could use both Taylor and Ames. Ames would be a great option at the No. 1 guard spot. This dynamic duo could run Illinois basketball for a few years and, potentially, win a national title.

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