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Illinois Basketball: 5 recruits to watch for the Illini class of 2024

By Rees Woodcock

Dec 4, 2012; Champaign, IL, USA; The Big Ten logo displayed on the court before the game between the Western Carolina Catamounts and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Assembly Hall. Mandatory Credit: Bradley Leeb-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2012; Champaign, IL, USA; The Big Ten logo displayed on the court before the game between the Western Carolina Catamounts and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Assembly Hall. Mandatory Credit: Bradley Leeb-USA TODAY Sports /
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Lake Highlands Wildcats guard Tre Johnson (20) handles the ball during the first quarter of a game against the Newton Rams during the 49th annual City of Palms Classic at Suncoast Arena in Ft. Myers on Friday, Dec. 16, 2022.Lakehighland V Newton Cop 0002
Lake Highlands Wildcats guard Tre Johnson (20) handles the ball during the first quarter of a game against the Newton Rams during the 49th annual City of Palms Classic at Suncoast Arena in Ft. Myers on Friday, Dec. 16, 2022.Lakehighland V Newton Cop 0002 /

Tre Johnson

It is a tough battle for Illinois to land the top recruits in the country with so many teams involved, but the Illini are still showing interest in the literal top player in the class of 2024, Tre Johnson.

Johnson is a 6-foot-5, 180-pound shooting guard from Lake Highlands High School in Texas. He is rated as a five-star recruit and ranked as the No. 1 player in the class of 2024. Being ranked the No. 1 player in the country also makes him the best shooting guard in the nation and the best player coming out of Texas.

Kentucky, Texas, and Baylor were Johnson’s first three junior official visits. He is visiting Kansas this weekend as well. However, his official visits will reset after his junior year, so Illinois might have some wiggle room.

On April 29, Krysten Peek of Rivals reported that head coaches from Kentucky, Texas, Baylor, Michigan, and Illinois were watching Johnson at his AAU game. The fact that the Illini are putting resources into recruiting Johnson means that there is some type of connection there.

How I see Illinois using Tre Johnson

Obviously, Johnson would start from day one. You don’t land a top 30 recruit and not start him immediately. That would be asking for a transfer minutes into his time in Champaign.

Johnson could play multiple roles on the court. He is best suited for the No. 2 spot with his great shooting ability, but I also like him on the wing. Having him start at the No. 3 isn’t a bad idea either with his 6-foot-5 size.

Illinois would instantly become a serious national title contender with Johnson on the floor. He is a proven winner, as his Lake Highlands team won the Texas 6A State Championship just two months ago.

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