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Illinois basketball misses out on top transfer portal target Josh Dix

The Illini strike out on their top transfer portal target and have their eye on a few other key decisions.

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6 days ago

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Illinois Basketball target - Iowa Hawkeyes guard Josh Dix - has committed to Creighton
Iowa Hawkeyes guard Josh Dix (4) hesitates before rushing past Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) on Thursday, March 13, 2025, during the second round of the men's Big Ten tournament at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Illinois Fighting Illini defeated the Iowa Hawkeyes, 106-94. / Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Illinois Basketball needs shooters, and unfortunately, the Illini have now missed out on their top transfer portal target. According to his Instagram page,  sharpshooter Josh Dix has opted to stay home and commit to Creighton.

The Council Bluffs, Iowa native will make the short 10-minute trip across the Missouri River to Omaha, NE, where he’ll continue his college career with the Bluejays alongside former Hawkeye teammate, Owen Freeman. Creighton is frequently known as one of the best offenses in the country and has produced some top-flight shooters.

 

 

With 4 scholarship players already in the portal — including guards Tre White and Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn and Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley, likely leaving for the NBA Draft in June- Illinois basketball head coach Brad Underwood is prioritizing shooting and experienced scoring production.

Josh Dix would have fit the bill as he averaged nearly 15 points per game at the Big Ten level at an extremely efficient clip.

 

Illinois basketball targets Josh Dix and Pryce Sandfort.

Jan 7, 2025. Iowa City, Iowa, USA. Iowa Hawkeyes guard Josh Dix. Pryce Sandfort. Iowa vs Nebraska Cornhuskers at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.

What’s Next?

Illinois basketball is trying to prioritize age and experience thus far in their transfer portal hunt. Unfortunately, Dix committed to Creighton, and fellow Hawkeye (and Illini target) Pryce Sandfort recently committed to Nebraska. Outside of those two, names that have been linked to the Illini are UCF transfer Jaylin Sellers and Arkansas center Zvonimir Ivisic. Sellers had some buzz around his name towards the Illini; however, that has notably died down, with some linking his name to Cincinnati and Providence. The transfer portal season is long and grueling. Just remember that Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley did not become Illini until the month of June.

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Kirkland is an expert source for Illinois athletics news. He is the lead Football analyst at Armchair Illini and has been featured in top media publications like Bleacher Report, Yard Barker, Autograph, Newsbreak, CBS Sports and more.

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