Illinois basketball 2024 recruiting target sets commitment date

Illinois basketball fans now have an official commitment date for one of our biggest 2024 targets.

Just days ago, it was reported that Illini target Mikey Lewis was coming down to a decision. The reports were that the decision would be between three teams – Ole Miss, St. Mary’s, Illinois – but there was a chance if another team came in late in the game, he would consider them too.

There wasn’t a definitive date set for Lewis’ commitment, though. It was reported that it would happen in the next couple of weeks. Well, now that date is officially set.

On Wednesday night, Tobias Bass of The Athletic reported that Lewis is going to be choosing between Ole Miss, St. Mary’s, and Illinois. That decision will be made on October 27.

The Illinois basketball class of 2024 needs to add a guard like Mikey Lewis

I am not disappointed by the 2024 class for the Illini thus far. We have secured the No. 13 class in the country, and this group is led by 6-foot-9, Morez Johnson Jr. He is a top-40 recruit who has a legit shot at becoming a McDonald’s All-American.

Illinois also wrangled in the commitments of Jason Jakstys and Jase Butler. Jakstys is another big man at 6-foot-10 and is ranked as the No. 110 player in the class of 2024. Butler is a guard Illinois was able to land just a couple of weeks ago. He is the No. 162 player in the 2024 class.

To complete the class, I think Illinois needs to land another guard who is in the top 100 nationally. Lewis fits that bill. He is a 6-foot-3, 170-pound combo guard who is the No. 61 player in the class of 2024.

I would have both Lewis and Butler playing at the No. 2 or No. 3 spots on the floor. Illinois has a good rotation at the point guard position with Ty Rodgers, Niccolo Moretti, and Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, so there won’t be a need for either Lewis or Butler to play in this role.

With Terrence Shannon Jr., Marcus Domask, and Justin Harmon departing after this season, landing someone like Lewis to fill the voids is crucial. This is a big recruitment for the Illini. Hopefully, October 27 brings good news.