The Illinois basketball team had a good 2024-25 season, but there were a few things holding us back.
One of the issues for the Illini this season was health. We were one of the unhealthiest teams in the country for over a month, and this dropped us nationally. Thankfully, Illinois is back in good health and will be full-go during the NCAA tournament.
Another issue with the Illini, and arguably the biggest issue, is shooting. Two seasons ago, we had shooters who could knock down shots. That is a big reason we got to the Elite 8. The same can’t be said this season, as Illinois is one of the worst three-point shooting teams. A solution to this problem could be Jacari White.
White is a 6-foot-3, 180-pound guard from North Dakota State. He spent the past three seasons with the Bison. Back on March 8, it was announced that White was entering the transfer portal. On Thursday, Joe Tipton of On3.com reported that White has heard from numerous programs, one of which was Illinois.
North Dakota State transfer guard Jacari White has heard from the following schools since entering the portal, per source:
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) March 21, 2025
Alabama
Boston College
BYU
Cincinnati
Florida St
Georgia Tech
Illinois
LMU
LSU
Ole Miss
Oregon
Seton Hall
South Carolina
Syracuse
Tennessee
Texas A&M
USC… https://t.co/yyXp4yh4rJ
Adding someone like Jacari White from the transfer portal would give Illinois basketball a dangerous backcourt
The thought of having White on the Illinois roster is exciting. This kid is someone who could really make an impact.
White has improved his game every season with North Dakota State. This past season, he averaged 17.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. The numbers that pop out to me are the 7.1 three-point attempts per contest and the fact White hit them at a clip of 39.8%.
That 39.8% three-point shooting number would blow everyone out of the water who plays for Illinois. The best three-point shooter we are putting on the court is Ben Humrichous, and he only shoots 35%.
Next season would be interesting with White in the fold too. Kasparas Jakucionis is gone after this season. I think Kylan Boswell and Tre White will be back. I question whether or not Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn will return, but that is complete speculation.
With Boswell and White in the backcourt, Illinois can get an influx in shooting with White. I would start Boswell at the No. 1, Jacari White at the No. 2, and Tre White at the No. 3. That would give Illinois a pretty talented backcourt that could do some damage.