Illinois Basketball: Third Time a Charm for Quincy Guerrier?

Is the third time a charm for Illinois Basketball to land Quincy Guerrier?

It was announced that Oregon Forward, Quincy Guerrier will enter the transfer portal as a graduate transfer. Illinois has a previous relationship with Guerrier. They recruited him as a prep prospect before he committed to Syracuse. After two years at Syracuse, Guerrier entered the portal where Illinois contacted him. However, he went to Oregon where he spent another two years. The 6 foot 8 forward entered the portal one more time, and I fully expect Illinois to be in the mix for his third recruitment.

Quincy Guerrier’s fit.

As above, the 6 foot 8 power forward would fill a lot of needs on next year’s team. He will turn 24 in May, and fills the need as an older, battle-tested college basketball player. Guerrier’s game is a best described as a physical wing that can slide into the power forward spot and make 3 pointers at a respectable rate. In his sophomore year at Syracuse, Guerrier played the power forward spot often and averaged 8.4 rebounds. I read that he transferred to show that he can play more of a perimeter wing role at Oregon. At Oregon, Guerrier struggled with his efficiency, however last season, he knocked down 34.7 percent of his 3’s.

His efficiency numbers certainly dipped in Eugene, however Illinois can sell Terrence Shannon Jr’s year quite well. Though Shannon’s efficiency numbers may have fallen, his scoring output basically doubled in his one year at Champaign.

Insurance policy for Illinois Basketball.

There is word around the Illinois program that Coleman Hawkins is likely to return. Though nothing is set in stone, Quincy Guerrier would be able to play alongside Coleman Hawkins. This would allow Coleman Hawkins to play at the 5, while Guerrier slots in at the 4. Additionally, if Illinois wants to start Dain Dainja at the 5, Guerrier would be able to slot in at the small forward position.

If Coleman Hawkins stays in the draft, there still is a fit for Guerrier. Guerrier could certainly play the four with Dainja at the 5, much like how Coleman Hawkins played this year. Guerrier would certainly allow Amani Hansberry to ease into the college game as a true freshman as well.

Competition for Guerrier.

As always, players who have contributed at Power conference basketball will be pursued by everyone. Since Guerrier is about to turn 24 in May, there will certainly be those blue-blood teams coming after him with strong sells. However, Illinois seems to have moved quickly much like with Marcus Domask. Brad Underwood knows Quincy Guerrier, and I assume is bullish on his fit with this next year’s squad. Illinois will try to get Guerrier on campus as soon as possible in hopes of closing this down quickly. Third time is a charm, right?

Enjoyed my last visit to Illinois University 🙏🏾💯 pic.twitter.com/yirhgn2KGa

— Quincy Guerrier “Candyman” 🍭 (@quincyguerrier) October 8, 2018