Illini Basketball: Where the First Offseason Portal Addition Fits in

Illini Basketball: Where the First Offseason Portal Addition Fits in

Illinois Basketball Lands High-Upside European Big Man

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The Illinois Fighting Illini Men’s basketball program started their offseason off by adding Mercer guard, Jake Davis. Just two days after losing to UCONN in the Elite Eight, Brad Underwood acted quickly by adding the 6 foot 6 sharpshooter. At the time, it seemed like a solid addition and one that made sense. Marcus Domask, Justin Harmon, and Quincy Guerrier were all solid additions who were looking to prove themselves at the Big Ten level. After losing those three guys and Terrence Shannon Jr, Jake Davis seemed like he could contribute to the Illini. The Indiana native averaged 9.0 points per game on 38.7 percent from the three-point line. However, the offseason had only just begun.

In short, the Fighting Illini made ten total off-season additions to their roster. The latest being five-star wing and 2025 NBA draft prospect, Will Riley. In addition to Riley planning to reclass into the class of 2024, Illinois added Kylan Boswell and Kasparas Jakucionis to their backcourt which already includes Sophomore Dravyn Gibbs-Lawhorn.

Fighting for time

Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

Even if the Illini play ten deep, Davis still falls out of that rotation behind Boswell, Jakucionis, Gibbs-Lawhorn, Will Riley, and Tre White. Barring injury, the road to playing time may be bleak for Jake Davis. A redshirt season may be in play if Davis is willing to work on getting in elite shape and work on his ball-handling ability. However, it may be tough to stomach for a guy who was hoping to prove himself at the high-major level. Underwood and his staff may not have known that this offseason would have been as “splashy” as it was. Per our sources, Davis received a NIL deal in the low six figures to come play for the Illini

That deal may soothe the tough pill to swallow as his first year at a high major program will likely be spent behind some very talented players. However, Davis has a skill set that can contribute at the high-major level.

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