Former Illinois Basketball Guard Explodes in Secret Scrimmage

Former Illinois Basketball Guard Explodes in Secret Scrimmage

The trend of Illinois guards finding success elsewhere seems to continue. In a recent report by John Fanta, Former Illinois Basketball guard, Jayden Epps scored 46 points in a secret scrimmage. Epps was a bright spot in last year’s team, however unfortunately transferred after a rocky end to the season. Jayden transferred to the Georgetown Hoyas to play for Ed Cooley, a coach he had previously committed to before switching to Illinois. Georgetown is looking to revive itself after a horrid last few years, and Epps has taken the reigns as the main scorer.

Jayden Epps should thrive in the Big East. The league has a lot more guard freedom especially for smaller guards like Epps and is a far less defensively demanding league than the Big Ten.

Illinois transfer and current Georgetown guard Jayden Epps scored 46 points in a secret scrimmage today, per @John_Fanta.

The Hoyas beat Wake Forest 81-77.

The true sophomore is in for a HUGE season.. pic.twitter.com/G0CEt947Zx

— CBB Content (@CBBcontent) October 14, 2023

Unfortunate Trend

Brandin Podziemski started the trend this past year. After barely playing in his one year at Illinois, Podziemski transferred to Santa Clara. Podziemski was never told he would not play, however it was clear that he was being recruited over. Podziemski found a role that fit his game, and turned into a first round NBA draft pick. Most recently, he put up 10 points and 10 assists against the LA Lakers in preseason action. Brandin has been vocal about how he was counted out at Illinois and the narrative certainly does not favor Illinois Basketball.

Jayden Epps had every opportunity to shine at Illinois. Epps did quite well. Like all true freshmen, however, he hit a wall towards the end of the season and suffered a pretty bad injury. Jayden’s camp, however, had other ideas. His AAU coach and others in his camp were constantly on Twitter bashing Brad Underwood and his coaching style. To be fair, Brad does need to tone it down at times. However, Jayden Epps clearly did not thrive under Brad Underwood’s in-your-face style.

Positives against Underwood

Despite this trend, this happens everywhere. No one seems to talk about the myriad of players who transfer from Kentucky and find success that often. Players like Johnny Juzang and Bryce Hopkins come to mind. Colin Castleton also barely played at Michigan, however became an All-SEC player. He is now trying to make the LA Lakers roster and has looked good. Jayden Epps is still a big-time scorer, and he likely will have plenty of success at Georgetown. However, it is quite fortunate that the marriage between him and Illinois did not work out.

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