How Illinois Basketball’s Transfers Performed Against High Majors

How Illinois Basketball’s Transfers Performed Against High Majors

Illinois Basketball has notably brought in three older, experienced transfers to reverse the end of this past season. All three players have played multiple years of college basketball and will hope to make their final year of eligibility a success. Illinois has had solid transfer play in the Brad Underwood era. Players like Terrence Shannon Jr, Matthew Mayer, Dain Dainja, Alfonso Plummer and Jacob Grandison all came from different levels. Despite this, they all have made an impact on the court. Though it is tough to project what Justin Harmon, Marcus Domask and Quincy Guerrier can do this year, I wanted to take a look at their play against High Major schools. Due to the sample size, “High Major” schools means a power-five school in addition to the Pac-12 and AAC.

Justin Harmon

16.8 ppg 5.6 rebounds 2.3 assists and 1 spg on 45.8 FG%, 38.3 % shooting (4 game sample size)

Justin Harmon has the most impressive statline of the three. It is even more impressive considering that he played at arguably the least notable school prior to Illinois. Utah Valley is not necessary a household name, however they were well-coached by former NBA player, Mark Madsen. Harmon was able to benefit from a sturdy NIT run. Harmon played out of his mind during this run, averaging around 20 points per game. Utah Valley’s season was ended in an overtime loss in the finals to UAB.

Justin Harmon has the skillset to make an impact off as a secondary ball-handler in Champaign. He will need to tighten his handle and take care of the ball, however the Andres Feliz comparisons are hard to avoid.

Marcus Domask

Domask played one true Power-five game against Oklahoma State.  16 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists on 4/8 3pt shooting. 

Domask has a small sample size against Power-five opponents. Outside of the Oklahoma state game, the highest level opponent was UNLV. Domask had an impressive game against the Running Rebels in which he put up 21 points 6 rebounds and 4 assists on an efficient 53.8 percent shooting. Domask’s game translates very well to the high-major level. He can shoot at an efficient clip, but also has a strong basketball IQ that Brad Underwood fell in love with. Additionally, He is an outstanding passer and I assume his role will be similar to Jacob Grandison’s as a “glue-guy”.

Quincy Guerrier

Outside of the Pac-12: 9.8 ppg, 3.8 rebounds on 36.3 fg%, 23.5% 3pt shooting (4 game sample size)

In the Pac-12: 7.8 ppg 3.9 rebounds on 44.6% fg, 34% 3pt shooting (22 game sample size)

To be honest, I was shocked when I found out Guerrier’s numbers. He has great size and a nice looking jump shot. However, the reason he has not made the jump to the NBA is the numbers above. Guerrier was not even asked to do much on a mediocre Oregon team. Despite this, he seemed to struggle to create his own shot as he was stuck between the Power forward and wing position. Guerrier seemed to do well at Syracuse as a power-forward. He was able to play a stretch four that excelled with rebounding and hitting an open three. He likely will do the same in Champaign, especially if Illinois returns Coleman Hawkins. 

Article image is credit of the Illinois Men’s Basketball Twitter page: @IlliniMbb