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Illinois Basketball: Illini targeting Chicago transfer portal guard

ByRees Woodcock|
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO - MARCH 15: Justin Harmon #0 of the Utah Valley Wolverines reacts after hitting a three-pointer against the New Mexico Lobos during the second half of the first round game in the 2023 National Invitation Tournament at The Pit on March 15, 2023 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Wolverines defeated the Lobos 83-69. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO - MARCH 15: Justin Harmon #0 of the Utah Valley Wolverines reacts after hitting a three-pointer against the New Mexico Lobos during the second half of the first round game in the 2023 National Invitation Tournament at The Pit on March 15, 2023 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Wolverines defeated the Lobos 83-69. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images)

Illinois basketball might have strong ties with a talented shooter in the transfer portal.

Just a quick update on how the Illini have fared so far this offseason. Currently, we have lost three players to the transfer portal and have not yet signed anyone to fill those voids.

Jayden Epps was the first departure for the Orange and Blue. Brandon Lieb soon followed Epps. The most recent transfer was RJ Melendez.

Brad Underwood and his coaching staff have a lot of work to do to field a solid team in 2023-24. Justin Harmon is a great option who could come in and put up decent numbers for the Illini.

Harmon just finished up his junior year with Utah Valley. His leadership and abilities helped propel the Wolverines to a Final 4 in the NIT. Now the talented guard is looking for a new home.

Illinois basketball could land a solid in-state transfer portal guard in Justin Harmon

Despite having a great career with Utah Valley, Harmon was not looked at as a top recruit coming out of Curie High School in Chicago. He had to make a stop at Barton Community College before playing his last two seasons with the Wolverines.

This past season, Harmon would average 14 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. His play continued to improve on the court as well. He went from shooting 41% as a sophomore to 45.3% as a junior. Harmon also bumped his three-point shooting from 29.7% to 34% this past season.

In Utah Valley’s Final 4 run in the NIT, Harmon played some of his best basketball. He averaged 20.8 points while going 7-of-17, 41.2%, from three-point range.

Harmon is looking to finish his colligate career on a strong note. I think Illinois might be a great landing spot for this kid, considering we can elevate him on a big stage and he is from Chicago.

At 6-foot-4, 180 pounds, it seems that Harmon can do a little bit of everything on the basketball court. I could see him coming into the Illinois program and starting at the No. 2 or No. 3 spot. While he does a lot of work driving in the lane, Harmon is clearly trying to develop a solid three-point shot. His year-to-year improvement impresses me.

Illinois should definitely target Harmon. This kid seems like he would be a good fit. He started in the lower ranks and is hungry to see success at the next level. I love that in a player. I want a dog. Harmon gives me dog vibes.

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