Three Notable Transfer Portal names to watch for Illinois Basketball

Illinois basketball head coach Brad Underwood has made some incredible additions to his program via the transfer portal. Dating back to the 2021-2022 season, Alfonso Plummer was a huge addition that helped propel the Kofi Cockburn-led Illini to a Big Ten regular season championship. Afterward, players like Terrence Shannon Jr., Marcus Domask, Matthew Mayer, and Kylan Boswell have all made significant contributions to the program after arriving to Champaign from other programs. With at least two key players set to take the next step to the NBA Draft, Illinois basketball needs to have another successful transfer portal haul.

In the past week, some notable names have put their names in the portal and Illinois should consider pursuing them.

3) Providence F Bryce Hopkins

Bryce Hopkins was a top in-state prospect in the class of 2021. He initially played his freshman season with Kentucky before transferring to Providence. His sophomore year, he emerged as one of the best forwards in college basketball before unfortunately suffering an ACL tear in January 2024. Hopkins attemtped to return to the team in November, however, reinjured that same knee and missed all but three games of the season. Health will be a concern for the big man, however, he showed he was a supreme talent at the power forward position.

Per CBS Sports, Hopkins did enter the portal with a “No-contact” tag, so it seems that wherever he is going, is already decided.

2) Nevada F Nick Davidson

Davidson played three years with the Nevada Wolfpack and slowly improved each season. This past year, he averaged 15.8 ppg, 6.5 rpg, and 2.8 assists with a 37.1% 3-pt percentage. The 6 foot 10 forward is now looking to jump to the high-major level. The Illini may not have a spot in their front court if they return Tomislav Ivisic and Morez Johnson Jr. Also, forward Ben Humrichous is likely to gain one more year of eligibility given the new JUCO eligiblity rules.

However, having positional depth and size can never hurt for the Illini.

1) Iowa Forward Josh Dix

Josh Dix will also be one of the most sought after transfers in the country. Dix has proven Big Ten production and shot over 40 percent from the three-point line in all three of his years with Iowa. Illinois basketball will have to replace a lot of perimeter scoring with Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley currently slated to jump to the 2025 NBA Draft. Josh Dix would provide immediate scoring, length and NBA level talent. The biggest question is whether Dix will want to transfer in-conference. With how well he performed at Iowa, the rising senior will certainly have plenty of options.

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