NCAA Basketball: Top 10 way-too-early best bets to win 2024 national title

Mar 17, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; An Michigan State Spartans fan shows off his Tom Izzo shirt during the first round of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament against the USC Trojans at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus DispatchBasketball Ncaa Men S Basketball Tournament /

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NCAA Basketball Illinois Fighting Illini guard Terrence Shannon Jr. Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Illinois Fighting Illini – +7500

Illinois is another team whose ability to land transfers has them in a position where their stock could rise dramatically. They made the NCAA Tournament albeit not being the threat to making a deep run. The Illini was without a true point guard all season, as former five-star prospect Skyy Clark left the team midway.

That’s not going to be a mistake that Coach Brad Underwood makes again with a lack of veteran ball-handlers on the roster. Already this offseason, the team has landed a pair of impact transfers in Justin Harmon (14.0 ppg and 2.9 apg at UVU) and Marcus Domask (16.7 ppg and 3.8 apg). Both could either start or be quality depth depending on what the team does.

There are two other decisions that can work in their favor. Leading scorer Terrence Shannon could come back for a 5th year, while big man Coleman Hawkins can come back from the NBA Draft process. That would instantly have the team in the mix for a top spot in the Big Ten.

Plus, there are rumors linking UCLA senior starter Tyger Campbell as a potential transfer. Illinois has been quiet in the PG market at the moment but if they were to add him and pair with Shannon, that’s one of the best backcourts in NCAA Basketball. It’s another risk but the Illini has the ability to make another offseason splash and make this a worthy flyer.

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