Illinois basketball tabbed with one of the top transfers in the Big Ten

While a lot of the same faces return to the Illinois basketball lineup, there are some new names to know.

The Illini freshman class will be important this season. Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn is looked at as an impact freshman in the Big Ten. I think Amani Hansberry is going to be another big piece. He is a big man who can help Illinois win the paint.

Illinois also has some impact transfers who have joined the program. Quincy Guerrier finally found his way to Champaign. I like what Justin Harmon brings to the table too.

Another transfer who is getting some preseason love is Marcus Domask. The 6-foot-6, 215-pound wing has a chance to do some big things for the Orange and Blue. A national media outlet agrees.

On Tuesday, On3.com put out a list of the top 10 transfers in the Big Ten. While I think all three Illinois transfers should be on this list, you will find Domask at No. 8.

Domask is joining the Illinois program after spending the last four seasons with Southern Illinois. The Illini needed more scoring, and that is what Domask will bring to the program.

Illinois basketball is planning to use Marcus Domask in multiple areas on the floor

In a press conference on Sunday, head coach Brad Underwood talked glowingly about Domask. He mentioned the transfer is full-go and that he is in great shape and is “sneaky bouncy.”

It also piqued my interest that Underwood said Domask will be a usage guy for the Illini. What he means by that is Domask will play multiple roles on the court.

I don’t believe Domask will start for Illinois, but I could see him coming in at the No. 2 through No. 4 spots. He has the ability to shoot the three-point shot, making 35.9% from three-point range for his career, and he has the size at 6-foot-6 to match up with bigger players in the Big Ten.

Illinois definitely has a weapon in Domask. He is going to bring a lot of energy off the bench, and that will be crucial for the Illini throughout the game. I am not expecting Domask to put up 16.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists as he did in his final season with the Salukis. But if we can get solid, consistent, play out of him, Illinois will do some special things in 2023-24.