Illinois basketball adds much-needed frontcourt depth for the 2024-25 season

Illinois basketball has added to the family, as we are looking overseas for frontcourt help.

I have been impressed with how the Illini frontcourt has come along. While we lost some pieces like Amani Hansberry and Dain Dainja in the transfer portal, Brad Underwood has been able to go out and get some key pieces to fill the voids.

Newcomers for the upcoming season include the likes of Morez Johnson Jr. and Jason Jakstys from the high school ranks. Ben Humrichous and Carey Booth join those two via the transfer portal.

On Monday, Illinois added another player to the frontcourt. The Illini basketball social media account announced that big man Tomislav Ivisic has signed on with the program for next season.

Ivisic is a 7-foot-1, 230-pound center from Croatia. He isn’t rated or ranked in the recruiting rankings, but he is someone who can put up big traditional big-man numbers.

For the past three seasons, Ivisic has played for SC Derby Podgorica in Erste Liga. This past season, Ivisic averaged 15.7 minutes per game and put up 7.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. He shot 57.4% from the field.

Tomislav Ivisic brings much-needed depth to the Illinois basketball roster for 2024-25

I have mentioned it quite a few times, but I thought Illinois needed one more depth piece for the frontcourt. I love our starters, but we need players to back them up and give the program quality time.

Humrichous and Johnson should be starting at the No. 4 and No. 5 spots, respectively. I have Booth then backing up the No. 4 spot, but I could see him getting time at the No. 5 spot.

At this point, I don’t trust Jakstys, so I could see him redshirting. But Illinois needed someone to come in for Johnson if we needed a more traditional big man. That is what I see Ivisic bringing to the program.

On paper, this isn’t a huge commitment for the Illini. But I believe we needed depth, and having another big body with experience is going to be crucial for success next season.