Illinois Basketball Target Sets His Top 5

Illinois Basketball Target Sets His Top 5

Illinois Basketball is in the mix for a very solid group of high-ceiling prospects from the 2024 transfer portal. According to a post from Joe Tipton, a national basketball reporter for On3, Toledo Guard Deante Maddox Jr. has narrowed down his top 5 list. Illinois happens to be one of the schools that has remained heavily involved. Furthermore, it was announced on Tuesday (4/9) that the Illini cracked the sharpshooters’ top five. As well as snagging a visit scheduled for this weekend. Which, will come immediately after a visit to Louisville, and prior to a visit to Xavier on Wednesday. Check out Joe Tipton’s’ post below via On3 on X.

NEWS: Toledo transfer guard Dante Maddox Jr. has cut his list of schools to five, he tells @On3sports:

Louisville
Michigan
Creighton
Xavier
Illinois

The 6-2 junior has scheduled three official visits: https://t.co/LWy7SwG5Wf pic.twitter.com/BBX2tabc39

— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) April 9, 2024

What we know about Maddox Jr.

Dante is a former attendee of Bloom Township High School in the Chicago Metro. The 6 foot 2 inch, 195 pound Chicago Heights native was a first-team all-state nominee in High School. Not to mention a top 3 finalist for Illinois player of the year.

As a redshirt sophomore for Toledo, Maddox Jr averaged 15.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists per game in 2023. As well as averaging 1.7 steals per game on the defensive end. The Toledo transfer also led the MAC in 3-point shooting over the course of the 2024 season. Totaling a 45.1% three-point percentage from deep.  A 49.4% three-point average during league play, on 77 attempts. An absolute DOG who Illinois is going to have to work hard to get in an Illini uniform. However, the staff will have a shot this weekend. A great opportunity for Tim Anderson to close. You may want to keep a close eye on this one Illini fans.