Illinois Basketball Recruiting: 5-Star Target Nearing Decision

Per Joe Tipton of On3, Illinois basketball recruiting target, Jasper Johnson, will be nearing a decision after the Peach Jam tournament ends on July 21st. Johnson is a 5-star combo guard who visited Illinois in June. Orlando Antigua had built a relationship with Johnson back when Antigua was with Kentucky and was instrumental in bringing the 5-star guard onto campus. However, the five-star guard is being courted by the best of the best. Per Tipton, Kentucky, Alabama, and North Carolina have all been in to see the electric scoring guard. In fact, there has been plenty of buzz about how difficult it will be to lure Jasper Johnson away from Kentucky.

Kentucky’s Mark Pope and Alabama’s Nate Oats are in for 5 Jasper Johnson today.

A commitment is nearing and a decision is expected after Peach Jam. https://t.co/Bl7QuERjc3 https://t.co/ArTs2J5kPp pic.twitter.com/EmiyG8oU39

— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) July 14, 2024

Battling with the Big Boys

After Jeremiah Fears reopened his recruitment, many fans were left wondering how Illinois basketball would prioritize prep recruiting. In the past few years, Brad Underwood has really prioritized the transfer portal so that he can find pieces that are more seasoned and ready to contribute. On top of that, the Illini seemed to have opened up a pathway from the international route. Kasparas Jakucionis was a big-time get for the Illini and is entering conversations as a 2025 NBA Draft Pick.

If Jakucionis is a first-round draft pick, that certainly reflects positively on Illinois Basketball. As a result, expect many talented international prospects to take notice. However, it does remain to be seen how much Brad Underwood will prioritize prep recruiting with recent success in the transfer portal.

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