Illinois Basketball’s Most Important Official Visit

Illinois Basketball To Host Top Transfer Portal Target

On Thursday afternoon, 247’s Derek Piper reported that RayJ Dennis will be on the University of Illinois campus for an official visit. Illinois Basketball has made some exciting moves to boost the versatility and age of this current roster. Without a doubt, RayJ Dennis has been the long awaited crown jewel. Dennis was a star at the MAC level and would help elevate Illinois into the upper echelon of the conference. If Dennis commits to Illinois and they return one of their stars currently participating in the NBA combine, Illinois will have had a successful offseason..

What kind of player is RayJ Dennis

RayJ Dennis is the veteran ball-handler that Illinois basketball sorely needed. He has proven himself against high-major talent and is a true lead guard. Dennis averaged nearly 20 points and 6 assists last season on very efficient shooting percentages. Dennis will take some time to adjust to the high-major level and to new teammates. Despite this, he will be playing with a significantly higher level of talent. Additionally, having a true point guard will benefit Terrence Shannon Jr and Coleman Hawkins if they choose to return.

Dennis has the opportunity to prove himself at the high-major level for his home state. Ayo Dosunmu has shown that a successful in-state leader can be an icon amongst the state. Dennis has that opportunity. He also has the chance to elevate a very good team. If Dennis can somehow spearhead the Illini into another Big Ten title or its first Sweet 16 since the Bush Era, he will become an instant legend.

Illinois basketball playing amongst the Big boys.

The recent buzz, however, is not surprising. Dennis is one of the most highly sought after players in the transfer portal and for good reason. He is a proven lead guard with four years of college basketball experience. Teams like Baylor and Kansas State are hot after his trail and both have outstanding sells. Baylor has been one of the most successful teams in the country the past few years, and is replacing Keyonte George, an NBA draft pick, and LJ Cryer. Kansas State burst onto the national scene with Jerome Tang and is becoming a hot commodity.

Markquis Nowell proved that a mid-major star point  can make an instant impact on a good team, which ultimately results in national notoriety. Ultimately, Illinois is fighting hard for this one. Without Dennis, Illinois Basketball will likely remain what they were last year. A very up and down team with talent, but the true lead guard to put it all together. Unless there is an experienced, proven lead guard waiting around in the portal for the taking, Illinois basketball needs RayJ Dennis.