2024 has been a focus recently for the Illinois basketball program as they try to build around two big pieces.
The Illini have already secured commitments from top 50 recruit in Morez Johnson, and a talented point guard in ZZ Clark who should take over the reins after his brother, Skyy, leaves the program. Brad Underwood knows he needs to add to this dynamic duo, though.
Underwood is casting a wide net for the class of 2024. One of the newest targets for the Illinois basketball program is Qin Pang.
Pang is a 6-foot-9, 230-pound power forward from Christ The King Regional High School and resides in Middle Village, New York. He isn’t rated or ranked by 247Sports just yet, but that will likely change soon as teams are starting to take notice of the big man.
Blessed to receive an offer from University of Illinois !! 🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/0hfb0LpzrP
— Qingfang Pang (@QinPang13) June 26, 2022
In addition to the offer from Illinois, Pang also has offers from DI programs such as Oregon, St. John’s, and Rhode Island, among others. I believe his recruitment will continue to heat up over the next six months as well.
Illinois basketball could always use more size like Qin Pang in the paint.
Heading into the next couple of seasons, Illinois looks pretty solid when it comes to the frontcourt. We will have Matthew Mayer, Zacharie Perrin, Coleman Hawkins, and Dain Dainja manning the front lines in the paint this season. Perrin, Hawkins, and Dainja will be around for the season to follow as well. But, after that, the paint is pretty much wide open.
Perrin seems to be a really good player who can play either the No. 4 or No. 5 spot. I think Pang is the in the same boat as Perrin as far as the future goes. Both have extremely high ceilings.
From what I have watched of Pang, I love his physical mentality. He has a power forward vibe but has the handles and athletic ability of a wing. This kid is going to be a nightmare if he can consistently knock down the mid-range or even three-pointers.
I think the future is bright for Pang. Whatever program he picks is getting a good player with tremendous upside. I can’t wait to see how his career unfolds.