Illinois Basketball: Illini targeting versatile forward in transfer portal

Most of the transfer portal talent Illinois basketball has been pursuing this offseason has had a trend of being taller.

I believe every player the Illini have been in contact with is at least 6-foot-8. That means Brad Underwood and the coaching staff clearly want to bulk up the frontcourt.

There are plenty of options out there for Illinois to pursue. One solid forward the Illini have been in contact with recently is Jae’Lyn Withers.

Withers is a 6-foot-9, 220-pound forward who is transferring away from the Louisville Cardinals program. Despite the team having a rough campaign, Withers did put up some solid numbers. He averaged 8.9 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. He was also an intriguing 41.7% from three-point range while taking 3.0 three-pointers per game.

Illinois basketball landing Jae’Lyn Withers in the transfer portal would help with depth issues

On Wednesday, Jake Weingarten of Stockrisers reported that Withers had numerous teams who had already been in contact with the big man. One of the teams on the list was Illinois.

I think there is a chance that Illinois’ frontcourt is almost completely different this upcoming season. Matthew Mayer is going to be gone. There is a chance Coleman Hawkins goes to the NBA. That would leave Dain Dainja to man the No. 5 spot.

Illinois does have Amani Hansberry coming in, but to ask a true freshman to be one of the main players in the paint is tough. That is why we could use someone like Withers to come in and help bring Hansberry along.

Withers’ game is interesting as well. He is someone who has great length and can be a defensive stopper. Defense clearly comes naturally to him. Withers is also developing a nice offensive game.

I am amazed by the ability of Withers to not only finish around the rim, but he can step out and knock down three-pointers as well. He would be able to stretch the floor, and this would be great for the other Illinois guards who like to slash to the basket.

Withers gives me Jalen Jackson Jr. vibes. I like that Illinois is checking in on Withers to see if he would have an interest in coming to Champaign. This would be a great addition to the team.