No. 3 Guard/Forward
Starter: Tre White (JR)
The ability of Tre White has been on display for the past two seasons. He started his college career at USC where he averaged 9.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game as a freshman. He then transferred over to Louisville last season.
With the Cardinals, White averaged 12.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. He isn’t a great three-point shooter, hitting just 29.9%, but he can slash and get to the rim with the best of the best. White’s game reminds me a lot of what Quincy Guerrier did for the program last season. Look for White to get a lot of points at the rim and the free throw line. His rebounding numbers should increase as well. I have White coming into the Illinois program and starting at the No. 3 spot from day one.
Backup: Jake Davis (SO)
At the end of the day, I think the Jake Davis addition could end up being one of the sneakiest gets of the transfer portal. Davis has only spent one season in the college ranks. He committed to Mercer and had a great freshman campaign.
With the Bears, Davis averaged 9.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. He also hit 38.7% from three-point range, which is going to be needed in the second unit. I love that Davis is 6-foot-6, 220 pounds, and can put up those types of numbers. He is going to be a tremendous asset to this program, especially as a primary reserve. I think he has a chance to blossom into a great player and someone who could be a starter for Illinois during his junior and senior seasons. For now, he should be backing up White at the No. 3 spot.