2028 guard Cole Kelly must be a priority for Illinois Basketball

Illinois basketball has to land 2028 wing Cole Kelly from Naperville, Illinois. Kelly is a 6-foot-6-inch small forward from Naperville, Illinois who is exactly what Illinois needs at the guard position. Recently, the Illini have been doing an outstanding job mixing in talented prep prospects with big-time gets from the transfer portal. Additionally, they have an elite guard sell as they have helped guide players like Keaton Wagler, Ayo Dosunmu, Terrence Shannon Jr., Will Riley, and Kasparas Jakucionis to the NBA.

He must remain a priority for the Illinois staff as his recruitment goes on.

Cole Kelly changes the game on both ends

I had the pleasure of watching Cole Kelly up close in Fort Wayne, Indiana, at the Bill Hensley Memorial Run N Slam. Kelly played for Breakaway 3SBB alongside Illini commit Mason Martin. Over the weekend, it was clear that Kelly was the team’s vocal leader and best player. He gets to his spots effortlessly and uses his physicality on both sides of the ball. Kelly played well beyond the level of a rising junior in high school and should only improve from here. He has the ability to play in a variety of different offensive actions, including ball-screen offense, pick-and-pop, and off the elbow.

Cole Kelly has the ability to handle the ball, initiate offense, while also playing off the ball, set up plays for his teammates and rebound the ball extremely effectively. The class of 2028 prospect fits exactly what the Illini look for in a prospect. He has great positional size, has no weaknesses in his game, and plays extremely hard.

The Illini’s chances?

Illinois was on Cole Kelly early and has made him a priority. However, I would not be surprised if this recruitment became heavily contested amongst the best teams in the Big Ten and even some “blue-bloods”. Purdue, Iowa, and Nebraska have all been in contact with Kelly. Recently, Purdue has hopped in with an offer, and Kelly recently took an unofficial visit to West Lafayette.

If the Illini can continue to emphasize how good a guard sell they have with bigger guards, look for them to be one of the final schools vying for Cole Kelly.

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