Illinois Basketball to Host West Coast Combo Guard Jase Butler

Illinois Basketball to Host West Coast Combo Guard Jase Butler

Jase Butler is a 6 foot 4 guard out of California. Recently, he dropped a top 6 including Illinois, Colorado State, Loyola Marymount, New Mexico, San Francisco, and UC-Santa Barbara. Butler may not be the highest ranked prospect, but Illinois Basketball is making him a priority. Butler is currently scheduled to visit Illinois this coming weekend on September 22nd. This will include a trip to Memorial Stadium for the Illinois Football game vs Florida Atlantic.

Butler’s visit marks the second combo guard from California that Illinois Basketball has hosted. 4 star guard, Mikey Lewis just completed his visit over the weekend. Lewis is a big time recruit; they are currently trying to catch up to the LSU tigers. The Tigers seem to have a lead on Mikey Lewis per our sources. There is a slight opening for Illinois, however, due to LSU assistant, Cody Toppert leaving for the G-league. Regardless, Illinois has learned the hard way multiple times that they need to have multiple options. Jase Butler would be a solid add as well.

What we thinking ?? 💙🧡 #everydayguys pic.twitter.com/l25paxIyEQ

— Mikey Lewis (@MikeyLewis05) September 15, 2023

The Player:

Butler is not the flashiest player, but he seems to make strong decisions in the Pick and Roll. Last year, Illinois learned that they do not have enough players who can do that well. With a rim running big like Morez Johnson coming in, Illinois needs to continue to add those kind of players. Butler would fill that role perfectly. He is not a great shooter, however has a tough body to him that can fit well in the Big Ten. If they can push a commitment from Butler during his visit, I am sure they are in a good spot to land the 6 foot 4 playmaker.

The Rest of the 2024 class:

Illinois Basketball currently has two commits to their class of 2024. Morez Johnson is the crown jewel thus far. The Top 50 big man is the best player in the state of Illinois and was absolutely dominant in the summer EYBL. Johnson slides in perfectly as Coleman Hawkins and Quincy Guerrier moves on after this season. His skillset and athleticism will be a strong foundational piece moving forward. Jason Jakstys is another big man, however has a different skillet. Jakstys is a project prospect that will require time to strengthen his body. However, he has shown solid athleticism and perimeter skills that mirrors Coleman Hawkins.