NCAA Basketball: Pros and cons of each landing spot for TJ Holyfield

By Chris Kern | Apr 30, 2019

DALLAS, TX - MARCH 15: TJ Holyfield #22 of the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks shoots against Zach Smith #11 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the first half in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at American Airlines Center on March 15, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

2 of 4

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 14: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini gives instructions to his team against the Iowa Hawkeyes at the United Center on March 14, 2019, in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Illinois Illini

Pros

Some people may question why any player would consider playing basketball at Illinois over Kansas and Texas Tech, but there are at least a few reasons that make this an intriguing destination. The obvious reason is the connection with the head coach Brad Underwood who recruited Holyfield to SF Austin.

Another starting caliber power forward is something they really needed last season. His connection to Underwood would give him a very good chance to come in and start right away. An opportunity to play in the Big Ten would do him well, but when compared to the Big 12 I’m not sure that plays a key factor either way.

They had a record of just 12-21 a year ago, but the talent on the team gives them a chance to make a run at the NCAA Tournament next season. Without Holyfield, they will be projected to make the tournament, but if he does come to Champaign then they have a chance to be a top-25 team.

When you have a 12-21 record it’s tough to get that excited about the future, but they do bring back their three leading scorers from a year ago in Ayo Dosunmu, Trent Frazier, and Giorgi Bezhanishvili. Dosunmu was a possible first-round pick this summer so his decision to return was very surprising, but will be a key in Illinois’ success this season.

Cons

The obvious con is the lack of success that the program has had. They have traditionally been a very good basketball program and seem to be on the right track, but they haven’t made the NCAA Tournament since 2013.

Brad Underwood has done a good job bringing in some talented players, but he does have a record of just 26-39 at Illinois despite his overall record being more successful at 135-66. Some of that has to do with his time at SF Austin in the Southland Conference, but he also has a 20-13 season at Oklahoma State.

While the Illini do lack depth inside they do bring in a four-star center in Kofi Blackburn. He is a good player who could play a big role next season with or without Holyfield on the team. That shouldn’t affect his decision much since he would likely be the starter, but he actually may have a better chance to start at both of the other schools.

Home/NCAA Basketball News