Illinois basketball eyeing transfer portal guard from Chicago

The transfer portal is still very much on fire, and the Illinois basketball team is trying to finish out the roster with some big-time additions.

For those counting at home, I believe the Illini have three open scholarship spots. These three spots are a perfect opportunity to add to the roster where we are missing some talent.

A perfect option to add to the roster would be Jemel Jones. He is a 6-foot-4 guard who is transferring from Cal State Bakersfield and looking for a new home.

On Thursday, Dushawn London of 247Sports reported that Jones has heard from a slew of programs. One of the teams to contact the talented guard is Illinois.

Jones has been flying under the radar his entire career. He entered the college ranks at the junior college level before transferring to Cal State Bakersfield this past season. With the Roadrunners, he averaged 18.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. Jones also took 3.2 three-pointers per game and hit them at a clip of 35.2%.

Landing transfer portal guard Jemel Jones would give Illinois basketball a super athletic guard in the backcourt

When I look at guards from smaller schools, I want to see success against bigger programs. Do they lay eggs against the big boys or do they shine? Jones only played one game against a power-four program last season, and it was the Cal Bears. He dropped 22 points, five rebounds, and four assists while shooting 9-of-15 from the field and 2-of-3 from three-point range.

Jones does seem like more of a slasher and pure athlete to the basket. That would be good for Illinois, as he wouldn’t settle for three-point shots. Jones can make them from the outside, though.

As of right now, Illinois doesn’t have that guard who can blow you away with athletic ability. We need someone who can shoot and drive while also getting the defense on their heels. That is what Jones can bring to the table.