New name tops the top five Illinois basketball transfer portal targets

Illinois basketball has numerous lines in the water when it comes to the transfer portal.

Even when the Illini were winning in the NCAA tournament, Brad Underwood and the coaching staff were vying for transfer portal players. That is the reality we live in, and Underwood has done a great job navigating it.

The transfer portal changes by the day as well. The players in it today might not have been there yesterday or won't be there tomorrow. There are some big-time names who could help the program a lot, though.

Here is an updated list of the top five Illinois basketball transfer portal targets

1. Dante Maddox Jr. – Toledo Rockets

Illinois basketball needs a leader in one of the guard roles on the team, and Dante Maddox Jr. would fit the slot.

Maddox is a 6-foot-2, 195-pound guard who spent two seasons at Cal State Fullerton out of high school. After two mediocre years with the Titans, he transferred to Toledo where he has spent the last two seasons.

In 2023-24, Maddox put up eye-popping numbers. He averaged 15.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. Those are great numbers, but what was most impressive was his 1.6 turnovers per game in 33.1 minutes of action, and his ability to hit 40.2% from three-point range.

On Tuesday, Maddox narrowed the scope of his transfer portal decision. He is down to just Louisville, Creighton, Michigan, Xavier, and Illinois.

In an article by Jody Demling of 247Sports, Maddox said he will visit Louisville this weekend. He then wants to take a visit to Illinois and Xavier right after that visit. Maddox also wants to check out Creighton and Michigan, but he will have everything done by April 21 and a commitment will come this month.

I have Maddox slotted in as the starting No. 2 guard on the team. I think Ty Rodgers continues to start at the No. 1 spot, as he did for the entire 2023-24 campaign. Maddox would give Illinois some serious scoring in the backcourt.

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