Illinois Basketball: Tre White continues to elevate the team

During the Thanksgiving showdown featuring Illinois basketball and Arkansas, junior forward Tre White played 11 total minutes and did not score a basket. In the overtime loss vs Northwestern, White logged only 15 minutes and was notably benched down the stretch. Things were certainly looking bleak for the transfer from Louisville as he looked like he was having a tough time adjusting to his role. After being a go-to guy on a very bad Louisville team, Tre White looked a bit lost. However, Tre continued to work and has now been extremely vital to the recent success of Illinois basketball.

A stellar last five games

In Tre White’s last five games, he has averaged 15.2 ppg, and 6.0 RPG on 68.6% from the field, including 27 total free throw attempts. He has served as the perfect compliment to Kasparas Jakcuionis, Tomislav Ivisic, and Kylan Boswell. As Casey Jacobsen said on air during the road win vs Oregon, White has been an elite cutter for the Illini. Given the passing ability of Jakucionis, Ivisic, and Boswell, Tre White has used that to his advantage to get some easy baskets

On top of that, he is a crafty mid-range creator when defenders lock in on the elite Illinois backcourt. White has brought really strong rim pressure in the half-court offense. Given how many three-pointers Illinois basketball shoots, Tre has served as a huge security blanket when those shots are not falling.

The Glue-guy?

Tre has been playing well on both ends of the ball and turning into Mr. Reliable for the Illini. In the big-time win over Oregon, White put up 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists on 8 of 11 from the field. Kasparas Jakucionis and Kylan Boswell have rightfully earned the attention of the media given their electric play, however, White has been just as, if not more, vital than anyone on this Illini basketball team. As Big Ten play continues, White’s role will only become larger.

Visit Tre White’s NIL Locker room here:

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