Top Kentucky recruits and transfer portal targets for the Illinois basketball team

Adou Thiero - Transfer Portal

Orlando Antigua could help Illinois build some depth in the second unit. I think there is a great option with Adou Thiero currently in the transfer portal. He is someone who could help solidify the second unit.

Coming out of Quaker Valley High School in Pennsylvania, the 6-foot-5, 180-pound combo guard was rated as a four-star recruit and ranked as the No. 138 player in the class of 2022. He was also the No. 20 combo guard in the country and the No. 3 player coming out of Pennsylvania.

Thiero ended up landing with Kentucky. In his first season, he averaged 2.3 points and 1.9 rebounds in the 20 games he played. This past season was a better result, as he started in 19 games and averaged 7.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game.

The transfer portal doesn’t need to be completely about getting starting talent. I believe Thiero is someone who could come off the bench for Illinois and get around 20 minutes each game and be impactful.

If Thiero did pick the Illini, I have him being a backup for the No. 3 or No. 4 spots. He is a versatile player who can play multiple roles. I love his ability to get rebounds and score around the bucket. Thiero is someone who could get the defense on their heels. That is what I want to see.