Illinois Basketball Class of 2024 Continues to Dominate

Illinois Basketball Class of 2024 Continues to Dominate

The Illinois Basketball class currently consists of three exciting prospects. Jase Butler, Morez Johnson, and Jason Jakstys currently comprise the 22nd-ranked class in the nation per 247sports. The trio should be a good mix of immediate talent and strong long-term potential. Johnson is the headliner in the class who projects as an immediate impact in the front court. Jason Jakstys continues to improve and fill out his raw frame and looks to follow the Coleman Hawkins timeline of development.

Jase Butler may take some time to adjust to the speed of the college level. However, he shows an incredible basketball IQ that should help Illinois in spurts. Butler put up 15 points, 6 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks in a win on Saturday. 

SLAM. Joaquin Aguillon to Illinois Bound Jase Butler for slam. Branson up 69-49 entering fourth. Semetri Carr leads Branson wit 18 points. pic.twitter.com/AihbJLGVDe

— Mitch Stephens (@MitchBookLive) January 20, 2024

Morez Johnson

It is not another weekend without Morez Johnson dominating the competition. Morez put up 21 points and 19 rebounds in a Friday night win vs Crete-Monee. Despite a swollen and dislocated finger, Morez went on to post a 21 points and 10-rebound game against Benet. Again, Johnson led his team to victory and is practically a walking double-double. These statlines are nothing new for the Chicago big man. He seems to put up stat lines like these at least twice a month. Johnson Jr will be vying for the title of Mr Basketball and will hopefully be in strong consideration for a McDonald’s All-American. Scouts all over Illinois are really continuing the strong praise for the future Illinois big man.

Thornton's Morez Johnson shrugged off a swollen, dislocated finger and handed Benet its first home loss since 2020.

“He’s the best post player I’ve seen in a long time. Jahlil Okafor…Cliff Alexander. He's right up there at the top," – Gene Heidkamp.https://t.co/qgxCMkZXM7

— Michael O'Brien (@michaelsobrien) January 21, 2024

Jason Jakstys

Jason Jakstys also joined the party on strong performances. The Yorkville star put up an impressive 19 points and 21 rebounds in a win over Whitney Young. Jakstys continues to improve his all-around game and really does have a Coleman Hawkins-like skill set. He may not have the skill or the vision that Hawkins’ possessed however he appears to be a more explosive athlete than Coleman did at this point in time. Jason will benefit from playing behind guys like Amani Hansberry, Morez Johnson, and more.

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