Illinois Basketball is Recruiting 2024 G Jase Butler

Illinois Basketball is Recruiting 2024 G Jase Butler

Illinois Basketball currently has two commits to their class of 2024. Morez Johnson is the crown jewel thus far. The Top 50 big man is the best player in the state of Illinois and was absolutely dominant in the summer EYBL. Johnson slides in perfectly as Coleman Hawkins and Quincy Guerrier moves on after this season. His skillset and athleticism will be a strong foundational piece moving forward. Jason Jakstys is another big man, however has a different skillet. Jakstys is a project prospect that will require time to strengthen his body. However, he has shown solid athleticism and perimeter skills that mirrors Coleman Hawkins.

Illinois Basketball would love to add a guard, however. Terrence Shannon Jr, Justin Harmon and Marcus Domask will all move on after this season. They need some perimeter help to go along Ty Rodgers, Sencire Harris and Luke Goode. The point guard issue also remains prominent. Though Illinois will likely pursue a transfer portal option, they are after 2024 guard, Jase Butler.

The Recruiting profile

Jase Butler is a 6 foot 4 guard out of California. Recently, he dropped a top 6 including Illinois, Colorado State, Loyola Marymount, New Mexico, San Francisco, and UC-Santa Barbara. Butler may not be the highest ranked prospect, but Illinois Basketball is making him a priority. Butler is currently scheduled to visit Illinois on September 22nd. This will likely include the football game against FAU at Memorial Stadium.

Thank you to everyone who’s supported me throughout this process! pic.twitter.com/gmTmCAijHH

— Jase Butler (@4JaseButler) July 31, 2023

Butler told Brandon Jenkins of 247 sports, “Chester Frazier reached out to me towards the end of the summer season. I talked to Brad Underwood a couple of times. They have steadily built a great relationship with me the past couple of months. They want to get me out to campus and I like what they are building.”

The Player:

Butler is not the flashiest player, but he seems to make strong decisions in the Pick and Roll. Last year, Illinois learned that they do not have enough players who can do that well. With a rim running big like Morez Johnson coming in, Illinois needs to continue to add those kind of players. Butler would fill that role perfectly. He is not a great shooter, however has a tough body to him that can fit well in the Big Ten.

I am sure that Illinois is heavily pursuing Jaiden Glover and Mikey Lewis. However, Butler seems like a solid option if the two aforementioned players go to other high-major programs. If they can push a commitment from Butler during his visit, I am sure they are in a good spot to land the 6 foot 4 playmaker.