Illinois Basketball: 2024 post player sets Illini official visit

Illinois basketball could be closing in on a player who would help the program in the frontcourt in 2024.

The Illini currently have two players committed for the class of 2024. Morez Johnson Jr. was the first domino to fall, as he pledged to the Orange and Blue back in November 2021. His strong commitment continues today, and the top 50 recruit is going to be the centerpiece to a legendary recruiting class.

Joining Johnson in the 2024 class was Jason Jakstys. He is the most recent commitment for the Illini, as the big man said yes to Brad Underwood and the Illinois basketball program just about a month ago.

Both Johnson and Jakstys are monsters in the paint at 6-foot-9 and 6-foot-10, respectively. Illinois is now looking at adding more frontcourt depth to the roster.

On Friday night, Joe Tipton of On3.com reported on social media that Josiah Moseley has started to set official visits. The visits he has set thus far include USC on August 26-29, Georgia Tech on September 8-10, Illinois on September 15-17, Villanova on September 22-24, and Texas on September 29-October 1. He will also visit Virginia Tech, but that date has yet to be set.

This would be a nice addition for the Illini. Moseley is a 6-foot-6, 205-pound power forward from Stony Point High School in Texas. He is rated as a three-star recruit and ranked as the No. 44 power forward in the country. He is also the No. 14 player coming out of Texas.

Just looking at his recruiting ranking, I would think Moseley is going to be more of a depth piece, but this kid could be massively underrated. His offers and the visits he is taking are impressive. Those are big-time programs. I also love what I see on the court.

I think Moseley is a very skilled post player for his age. Most kids are trying to step out and knock down three-pointers, but Moseley has clearly worked on his post skills. The way he handles the ball, and his moves on the inside, remind me a lot of Anthony Davis. Moseley, if he isn’t taller than 6-foot-6, plays like he is 6-foot-9. That is a big bonus as well.

Honestly, I am shocked Moseley isn’t a top 100 recruit. I would bet, by the time he is done in high school, Moseley ends up in the top 100.

Illinois basketball needs to secure some guard help for the class of 2024

Being in the running for Moseley is awesome. I think he would be a great addition to the program, and this takes nothing away from him or me wanting him in Champaign.

But Illinois really needs to start landing some guard help.

Some of the big names are still out there. Mikey Lewis is still the biggest target. He would be a perfect fit with Johnson, Jakstys, and hopefully, Moseley. Jaiden Glover would be a nice wing player to pair with these frontcourt talents. Jared Harris is another option. He is a big-time shooter.

I don’t mind the focus on the frontcourt, but someone has to handle the ball in 2024 and beyond. Illinois needs some guard help.