Illinois Basketball: Illini make top 6 for high scoring transfer

Illinois basketball is one step closer to landing a big-time mid-major transfer recruit.

So far this offseason, the Illini have yet to pick up a single transfer and have lost three players to the portal. But there are some big options still left on the board. I put together the top five transfer recruits who I want Illinois to be looking at, but one of the players I had on my list was not Ben Vander Plas.

Vander Plas entered the transfer portal back on March 28. There were numerous teams who contacted him after the announcement, but it looks like he is now down to just six potential landing spots.

On Wednesday morning, Jeff Goodman of Stadium tweeted out that Vander Plas was down to Iowa State, Ohio State, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wisconsin, and Illinois as potential suitors. This is big news for the Orange and Blue.

Ben Vander Plas would add much-needed size to the Illinois basketball lineup.

Vander Plas is not a name I thought Illinois would end up being in contention for in the transfer market. He is a talented forward who has put up some big-time numbers with the Bobcats.

This past season was one of the best for Vander Plas as he averaged 14.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. He also played against two non-mid-major programs this pasts season and averaged 15.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game.

If I had to guess where Vander Plas ends up, I would venture to say the Badgers secure his commitment. He is from Ripon, Wisconsin, so there are ties to the state already. But, if he does pick Illinois, I will be extremely happy.

Illinois has two available scholarships right now with Brandin Podziemski departing the program yesterday. We could also use more size in and around the paint.

I am just thinking about what the Illinois lineup could look like with Vander Plas in the mix. He could start at the No. 4 spot with Coleman Hawkins moving to the No. 5 spot. I know Hawkins isn’t a No. 5, but this is essentially position-less basketball. I think this lineup could do some damage.

The Illini being in the mix for a player who averaged 14.3 points per game this past season is exciting. Vander Plas is a good player and would help the Orange and Blue immediately in his final year of eligibility.