New names don the Illinois basketball transfer portal and recruiting wish list

Kris Parker – Alabama Crimson Tide

I am at a point where I am pretty comfortable with what Illinois has starting for next season. If we don’t add any starting-caliber players, I am fine with that. But building depth is important. I think that is what Kris Parker would provide.

Parker is a 6-foot-9, 195-pound wing out of Florida. Coming out of Crossroad Academy in Quincy, Parker was a four-star recruit and ranked as the No. 99 player in the class of 2023. He had quite a few big-time programs coming after him, but he chose Alabama as his landing spot.

In year one with the Crimson Tide, Parker didn’t see playing time. Alabama decided to redshirt the talented player, and now he still has four years of eligibility remaining. After the season concluded, Parker decided to hit the transfer portal.

Just days ago, Recruits Zone reported a long list of teams that had already reached out to Parker about playing for their program next season. One of the teams to contact the big wing was Illinois.

There is definitely talent there with Parker. He is a perfect option for the Illini. While Parker would eventually start for the program down the road, he wouldn’t have to start next season. I think you can play Parker at multiple positions too.

If Parker came to Champaign, I would have him backing up Ty Rodgers. I think he would be a great fit to get minutes behind him or at the No. 3 spot. That is how versatile this kid could be for the program. Parker would likely get 14-18 minutes per game in year one.