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Illinois Basketball lands commitment from 2024 guard Jase Butler

ByRees Woodcock|
Dec 2, 2022; College Park, Maryland, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts during the second half against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 2, 2022; College Park, Maryland, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts during the second half against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Illinois basketball continued to build out the class of 2024 on Wednesday afternoon.

The Illini have been at somewhat of a standstill when it comes to recruiting. Jason Jakstys, a three-star recruit, was the last commitment for the 2024 class, and he pledged back in July. Before that, it was four-star big man Morez Johnson Jr.

These two form the No. 20 class in the country, but that duo is now turning into a trio. On Wednesday afternoon, Jase Butler announced on social media that he was ending his recruitment and committing to Illinois.

Butler’s decision wasn’t easy. The California native had plenty of options including Stanford and his hometown team, San Francisco. But the Illini swooped in and snagged this talented guard.

Jase Butler will add depth to the Illinois basketball roster in 2024

This was a good get for Illinois. Butler is a 6-foot-4, 180-pound combo guard from The Branson School in California. He is rated as a three-star recruit and ranked as the No. 189 player in the class of 2024. He is also the No. 24 combo guard in the country and the No. 20 player coming out of California.

Illinois needed to add more guard talent when it comes to recruiting. Both Johnson and Jakstys are at least 6-foot-9, so having a nice guard who can play multiple roles come into the program is going to be extremely helpful.

I have Bulter entering the Illinois program as a primary backup at the No. 3 guard spot. Luke Goode should be starting in this role when the 2024-25 campaign rolls around, but Butler will see minutes as the roster isn’t too deep yet.

Butler is a smart player with the basketball. He likes to drive and create contact, but he doesn’t go in without a plan. He is meticulous on the court. I also like that he can step back and knock down shots from deep. Butler has so many weapons in his arsenal.

This is a great addition to the Illinois basketball team. Butler will help balance out the depth in 2024, and he could easily be a starting piece by his junior year.

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