No. 4 Forward
Starter: Will Riley (FR)
And now we get to one of the best frontcourts I have seen in program history. Illinois is bringing in two great big men who are going to dominate. The first is the man of the hour, Will Riley. The 6-foot-8, 180-pound forward is a five-star recruit and one of the best players in the country.
I have Riley reclassifying and being a member of the class of 2024. Momentum seems to be swaying in that direction. Over the summer, Riley suited up for UPlay Canada in the Nike EYBL AAU league. He averaged 21.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. Riley has all of the ability in the world, and I think he enters the Illinois basketball program as the starter at the No. 4 spot.
Backup: Carey Booth (SO)
Illinois was able to land former four-star recruit Carey Booth from Notre Dame. He suited up for the Fighting Irish as a freshman last season and averaged 6.4 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. He is a long and athletic 6-foot-10 big man who can do some great work at all levels on the court.
I see Booth coming in and now being the primary backup at the No. 4 spot. He is going to get playing time and be a great replacement for Riley on the court. Illinois’ frontcourt has size and athletic ability that is extremely rare in the game of basketball.