Illinois Basketball Reaching Out to High-Upside Bigs

Originally posted on Armchair Illini | By Alex Kyi | Last updated 4/5/24

Illinois Basketball Reaching Out to High-Upside Bigs

Illinois Basketball is in the midst of some turnover. As of now, Illinois needs some front-court depth and experience. Even though they are adding Morez Johnson Jr to Amani Hansberry’s high upside, Illinois will lose quite a lot. Coleman Hawkins, Dain Dainja, and Quincy Guerrier will not be on this roster next year. Though Johnson Jr and Hansberry are very talented, Illinois Basketball needs a player with true college basketball experience to pair alongside the talented young guys.

They are currently in touch with quite a few high-upside bigs.

Carey Booth

Carey Booth is a former top-60 recruit who has played this past year at Notre Dame. Booth is a 6 foot 10 big man who averaged 6.4 and 4.3 rebounds. He struggled with efficiency, however, has the ability to pop from the perimeter and is a very long prospect. He would be a high-upside prospect with three years of eligibility left. Illinois will try to win his services over a variety of other high-major programs.

Brandon Garrison

Brandon Garrison is the newest name on the list of prospects Illinois has kept an eye on. Garrison is a former McDonald’s All-American who played his freshman year at Oklahoma State. Brandon is a 6 foot 11-inch center who averaged 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks.

Garrison would also be a high-upside take with three years of eligibility left. He would provide much-needed rim protection for Illinois Basketball and would certainly be a major recruiting win.