The Illinois basketball team just had one of the more disappointing showings we have ever seen in Big Ten Tournament history.
After knocking off Iowa and scoring a combined 200 points, the most ever in the conference tournament, the Illini had Maryland next on the docket. Instead of a good competitive game, Illinois bowed out early, enabling the Terrapins to win the game, 88-65.
Illinois still has the NCAA tournament ahead, which we will likely land somewhere in the No. 5 through No. 7 range, depending on how the committee sees us. While it is going to be interesting to see how the Illini finish the season, I am also eyeing who could potentially be coming back in 2025-26.
Brad Underwood is already recruiting for future classes, and you better believe he is looking at who Illinois can add for next season from the transfer portal. On Saturday, a massive option for the Illini opened up.
According to Joe Tipton of On3.com, Iowa big man Owen Freeman has decided to enter the transfer portal. This news comes on the heels of the Hawkeyes firing longtime head coach, Fran McCaffery.
NEWS: Iowa big man Owen Freeman has entered the transfer portal, source tells me and @PeteNakos_.
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) March 15, 2025
The 6-10 sophomore averaged 16.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game this season.https://t.co/9u0rpKIuDo pic.twitter.com/tdJRAeSuf2
Freeman is a 6-foot-10, 245-pound forward who played his first two seasons of college basketball at Iowa. The rise of Freeman has been steep, as he averaged 10.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, and 1.2 assists per game as a freshman.
This past season, Freeman was on a pace to be a first-team All-Big Ten player. Through 19 games, he averaged 16.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, and 1.3 assists per game. He ended up injuring his finger and had surgery, which ended his 2024-25 campaign early.
With McCaffery out at Iowa, Freeman is now back on the market looking for a new home.
Illinois basketball seems like a logical landing spot for Iowa forward Owen Freeman
I think this needs to be all systems go to land Freeman. Illinois focuses on the basketball program when it comes to NIL dollars, so let’s bring this kid back home.
Location wise, Freeman is perfect. He is from Moline, Illinois. He would be a great option for the Illini too, as I think we are going to need more big man help in 2025-26.
I could legitimately see Tomislav Ivisic departing after this season. He still has development left to do, but I believe we could see him head to the professional ranks or even transfer to another program. That is all speculation, though.
Illinois needs to hold on to Morez Johnson Jr. He is a kid who finished his time in high school in the state of Illinois, and he is someone who has blossomed into a star with this program. Johnson is a fan favorite who can be a force for the Illini in the paint.
It would be amazing to pair Freeman with Johnson. The two played high school basketball in Illinois, and they would be a nice duo in the paint. Johnson would be more of a defensive force who can dominate around the bucket. Freeman has nice touch from mid-range and has a better natural stroke.
Underwood and the Illini haven’t even entered the offseason, and I believe we already have the top transfer portal option. Freeman should be priority No. 1 right now.