Illinois misses out on 2018 forward Nassir Little

Nassir Little, a 2018 forward recruit, did not Illinois basketball in his final five schools Wednesday night.

A native of Orange Park, Florida, Little is listed as a four-star recruit by Scout and Rivals recruiting services.

Most big-time programs have chased after the coveted six-foot-six, 210-pound forward because he does nearly everything proficiently on a basketball court. He controls the game on both ends of the court with his size and athleticism, and he is an above-average player close to the basket.

Little also has superior vision on offense , which helps him jump passes on defense, too. While his three-point shot is not a work of art, it can be effective. He is an athletic finisher and can get to the hoop in traffic.

While Little can run the offense and take the ball up the court, he does need to improve putting the ball on the floor more. He makes up for this deficiency by moving without the ball.

Little’s NBA comparison is Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward. Hayward has two inches on Little, but they both have the ability to score, rebound, block shots and record a steal, while each can work on putting the ball on the hardwood more and create their own shot.

The Illini have no commitments so far in the Class of 2018.