Should Illinois Basketball Target Paul Mulcahy?

Should Illinois Basketball Target Paul Mulcahy?

After an eventful week of groundbreaking news, Illinois was left in an odd spot. They successfully returned their two star players, however missed out on their top transfer target. Later on, they unfortunately had to take a flyer on a player that theoretically would fit the void they have at point guard. Illinois Basketball was left in an odd place. Fans expected improvement and a team ready to return to the top, however it simply seems that we are at the same spot we were last year.

This coaching staff has still been active. They are trying to court players despite being full on scholarships. A name recently entered the transfer portal that may fit.

The Situation

Rutgers Basketball has had a resurgent few years. After spending many years in the basement of the conference, Steve Pikiell has done an outstanding job in turning Rutgers into the steadiest and most scrappiest team in the conference. He has done so by acquiring hard-nosed, tough players that fit into a culture of toughness and scrappy play. Kind of sounds familiar, doesn’t it? However, Rutgers does not have the NIL resources that most do. Unfortunately, Pikiell and his team have dealt with the pitfalls of this.

Paul Mulcahy has grown into one of those villains fans grow to hate on Iowa or Wisconsin. Though Mulcahy visually fits the profile, he is a versatile, multi-year college basketball player who plays extremely scrappy defense and easily gets under the skin of everyone. On Friday morning, he opted to enter the transfer portal. Per our sources, he would prefer a role where he is not the centerpiece of the offense like he was relied on last year and is able to focus on distribution and defense.

.@itsAntWright https://t.co/DjYNJlsFMG pic.twitter.com/jbdi33rcoH

— Armchair Illinois (@ArmchairIllini) June 4, 2023

The Fit.

Illinois needs a point guard. For the 85th time, they need that piece that ties it all together and is able to get guys into their spots. Mulcahy obviously fits that. He leaves Rutgers as number 4 in all time assists, and can be a vital complimentary piece on a team that has the stars and the floor spacing. The problem would lie in two spots.

The first would be whether or not Illinois even has the scholarships open. As it sits, they are currently full. Though there are rumors about attrition, the opening has yet to come. Given that it is almost the middle of June, I assume that Mulcahy will want to find his new home as soon as possible. Illinois got burnt after waiting for RayJ Dennis, however they still do not have clarity on their final roster. Additionally, Jeremiah Williams needs a waiver to play this year and is coming off a major injury.

Second issue, would Mulcahy be willing to play in the same conference as his former school? I assume that it was tough to leave Rutgers given that this happened so late. Is he willing to further villainize himself?