Illinois Basketball: 2024 Priority Nearing Decision Date

Illinois Basketball: 2024 Priority Nearing Decision Date

247sports, Dushawn London, reported that Mikey Lewis is nearing a decision date. Per London, Mikey Lewis will make a decision between his top three schools “within the next two weeks”. Lewis will choose between Illinois, Ole Miss and St. Mary’s. Lewis visited Illinois about a month ago and subsequently visited Ole Miss. In London’s article, Lewis said that “On my visit I grew real close with coach Frazier, coach Underwood and then the entire staff. I really like the facilities and what they have to offer. Since the visit I still talk to coach Frazier and he’s still my guy.” 

Mikey Lewis is ranked 61 in the 247sports composite rankings and is known as one of the better scorers in the country. Illinois recently added Jase Butler to their recruiting class, however Lewis would be a massive addition.

Behind the scenes of Mikey Lewis's official visit to Illinois last week. Where can I get that football jersey
(credit to Mikey's mother's ig page @mikele.realtor) pic.twitter.com/SqzwV2paGi

— Armchair Illinois (@ArmchairIllini) September 24, 2023

A microwave scorer.

The California native averaged 18.1 points, 4.5 rebounds & 2.2 assists at Peach Jam. Lewis is a combo guard with solid athleticism and perimeter scoring game. He is a player that can make an impact on the perimeter much like Nebraska’s Bryce Mcgowens. 

Impact?

Illinois Basketball needs to beef up their stockpile of guards. Terrence Shannon Jr will be gone after this year, and so will the three graduate transfers. Sencire Harris, Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn and Ty Rodgers are extremely strong future cornerstones, however they need some pure scoring on the wing. Mikey Lewis would provide exactly that. Though many are speculating that taking Jase Butler means that Illinois will pass on Lewis, I do not think that should be the case.

Illinois is also recruiting Jeremiah Fears. There are rumors that Fears is considering a reclass to 2024. If this is the case, the Illinois staff is in a very difficult position to pick which guard to prioritize. Despite this, Illinois needs to get these recruitments right. They have been burned before by waiting and turning a cold shoulder on other prospects, (see Jeremy Fears for Skyy Clark). That is why this staff makes the money they do.

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