Writing Illini
Fansided

Illinois Basketball: Illini transfer portal frontcourt wish list

By Rees Woodcock

Jan 21, 2022; College Park, Maryland, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood looks onto the court during the second half against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2022; College Park, Maryland, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood looks onto the court during the second half against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
TAMPA, FLORIDA – MARCH 12: Keion Brooks Jr #12 of the Kentucky Wildcats against the Tennessee Volunteers in the semifinals of the Men’s SEC basketball Tournament at Amalie Arena on March 12, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – MARCH 12: Keion Brooks Jr #12 of the Kentucky Wildcats against the Tennessee Volunteers in the semifinals of the Men’s SEC basketball Tournament at Amalie Arena on March 12, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

3. Keion Brooks

The top of the transfer portal is starting to shake out, but a name that sparks my interest is Keion Brooks. He is a player who could help the Illini in the frontcourt next season.

Brooks was originally a five-star recruit who was the No. 14 player in the class of 2019. The Fort Wayne, Indiana native attended North Side High School but finished his career with prep powerhouse La Lumiere School.

Like every five-star recruit, every program in the country wanted Brooks. He took official visits to Indiana, North Carolina, UCLA, and Kentucky. Brooks would eventually choose the Wildcats as his landing spot, though.

In three seasons with Kentucky, Brooks’ game has been solid. This past season, he averaged 10.8 points and 4.4 rebounds per game. He has now entered his name into the transfer portal and NBA Draft. Brooks has also been invited to the NBA G-League Camp.

I could see Brooks staying in the NBA Draft and eventually landing in the G-League. This might be best for his development, but if he does come back, Illinois should pursue this kid heavily.

Underwood has done a good job recruiting the state of Indiana and was even able to land Luke Goode from Fort Wayne. We have that connection already established, so having two Fort Wayne kids wouldn’t be a bad idea. Do I think Brooks would be a long shot? Sure, but with the recruiting ability of Underwood, anything is possible.

dark. Next. A glimpse of what the Illini are getting with Skyy Clark

Home/Illinois Basketball