Ad Disclosure
Illinois lands productive, experienced forward out of transfer portal
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Illinois made a notable pickup in the NCAA transfer portal on Tuesday.
Ben Humrichous, a graduate transfer forward from Evansville, has pledged to play for Brad Underwood’s program in the 2024-25 season.
He took to social media to announce his commitment to the Illini.
View this post on Instagram
NJ, PA, WV, MI Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Humrichous gives Illini 6-9 size, but will contribute as a wing
Humrichous gives the Illini a big body with his 6-9 frame. While he has the height to be a big, Humrichous excels as a wing.
Last season, Humrichous played in 24 games. He was a 48.4% shooter from the field (123-of-254), making 41.4% of his 3-point attempts (53-of-128) to average 14.7 points per game. He was also good for 4.7 rebounds per contest. The veteran wing was a 76.7% shooter at the free-throw line.
There is a lot to like for Illini fans when viewing Humrichous’ highlights:
Evansville’s Ben Humrichous will enter the NCAA Transfer Portal + test the 2024 NBA Draft waters, I’m told.
The 6’9” late-blooming stretch forward averaged 14.7 PTS, 4.7 REB, 1.9 AST while shooting 41.4% on 5+ 3PA’s per game.
Began his college career in NAIA, now on NBA radars. pic.twitter.com/sN8AdFljyH
— Jon Chepkevich (@JonChep) March 28, 2024
New-look Illini for 2024-25
Like many teams, Illinois is turning to the transfer portal to remake the roster.
The Illini are coming off a 29-9 season in which they won the Big Ten Tournament and made the Elite 8 in the NCAA Tournament, defeating Morehead State, Duquesne and Iowa State before falling to eventual national champion UConn.
Underwood was left with needing to address roster openings left by Coleman Hawkins, Marcus Domask, Quincy Guerrier and Dain Dainja. Hawkins happens to be in the portal while testing the NBA Draft waters, but says it’s not what it seems.
The Illini have done well in adding talent to the roster, with Humrichous joining a portal class that includes Kaylan Boswell (Arizona), Carey Booth (Notre Dame) Jake Davis (Mercer) and Tre White (Louisville).
A former Florida beat reporter, Andrew writes for the Saturday Tradition News Desk.