I really hope that the Illini can add FSU SF Jamir Watkins via the transfer portal. He's probably as good of an alpha wing scorer that the Illini could add at this point. I feel like Watkins could up his scoring average and improve his overall game playing for Illinois next season.
But I've also been mentioning 6'8" San Diego freshman guard/forward Kevin Patton Jr. as another possible transfer to Illinois. Patton averaged 9.8/4.4/2.4 in 26.0 mpg last season. He shot 43.3% from the field, with 33.8% on 3s, and 71.8% from the line. [Not great numbers, but he's only a freshman, he has lots of talent, and he's steadily improving.] Patton also had more assists (77) than turnovers (71) in 23-24. I read somewhere (at some point in time) that Patton was ranked number 429 overall in 247 Sports transfer rankings. Yet in a Duke Basketball article 3 days ago, it was stated that Duke is being "linked to San Diego transfer Kevin Patton." That article also stated that UVA, Florida State, Cal, and Boston College are interested in/recruiting Patton. It just seems like Illinois might want to consider recruiting this kid. He has 3 years of eligibility left! And he could provide good minutes this coming season at both SG and SF. If Duke potentially has room for Patton (as a 12th scholarship player?), I don't know why Illinois couldn't find a spot for him on the Illini roster.
And no... I'm not related to Kevin Patton!