With Jordan Goodwin off the board, John Groce and the Fighting Illini are still hunting for another wing that can eventually replace Malcolm Hill. Could one of the nation’s most talented players be a candidate to fill that role? Five-star Indiana native Kris Wilkes narrowed his college to five schools on Saturday, and he surprisingly included Illinois. The 6-foot-7, 190-pound prospect is also considering Indiana, Xavier, UCLA, and UConn.
Five-star forward Kris Wilkes tells ESPN he's down to Indiana, Illinois, Xavier, UCLA and UConn. https://t.co/cqdAEJHo1p
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) August 14, 2016
My top 5 shouts to everyone who recruited me ... pic.twitter.com/UArEp4dBJW
— Kris Air Wilkes (@kadw31) August 14, 2016
Wilkes is currently the No. 15 overall player in 247Sports' class-of-2017 composite rankings. Ohio State, Michigan, North Carolina, Arizona, UConn, and Washington were also in the running prior to this latest list.
Obviously, Illinois will be going up against some really tough competition here. But, believe it or not, the Illini do have an advantage in one area thanks to Jeremiah Tilmon. The Orange and Blue are the only school still involved that has already secured a commitment from another five-star prospect. Stars like playing with other stars, and that will surely be part of John Groce’s pitch if/when Wilkes makes it to campus for an official visit.
Kris Wilkes Highlights