<
>

Summer Recruiting Bible: Illinois seeks a point guard for 2016 class

John Groce and Illinois have some 2016 targets, but the big score could come in the 2017 class. Mike Granse/USA TODAY Sports

Throughout June and continuing into the all-important July recruiting period, Jeff Goodman and Jeff Borzello will take a look at the summer checklists for the top 50 programs in college basketball, as revealed in Goodman's preseason ballot published in late May. Goodman and Borzello will show you each roster the way the program's coaches are looking at it, projecting graduation/NBA casualties and areas of need ahead of 2016-17. Below is the summer guide for the Illinois Fighting Illini.

An index and schedule for the Summer Recruiting Bible series is located HERE.


Scholarship chart

Seniors (2): PG Tracy Abrams, C Mike Thorne Jr.

Juniors (5): G Jaylon Tate, SG Malcolm Hill, C Maverick Morgan, G Kendrick Nunn, PF Darius Paul

Sophomores (1): PF Leron Black

Freshmen (4): SG Jalen Coleman-Lands, SG-SF Aaron Jordan, SF D.J. Williams, C Michael Finke (redshirted last season)

Possible early entry losses after next season: Malcolm Hill

Available scholarships for 2016: Three

Committed prospects for 2016 and beyond: None

Biggest needs for 2016-17: Point guard and best available (with emphasis on a big wing or frontcourt player)

Must-haves: Point guards

Targets: PG Alterique Gilbert (No. 23, CP3), PG Xavier Simpson (No. 87, King James), PG Tony Carr (No. 52, Team Final), PG Charlie Moore (No. 89, Mac Irvin Fire), PG Bryce Aiken (PSA Cardinals)

Summer Scenario

Illinois has three scholarships available for 2016 -- John Groce is only using 12 of his 13 this season, and has two seniors on the roster -- and that number could grow to four if Malcolm Hill has a big year and leaves early. Look for the Illini to fill at least two of those vacancies, and the priority is a point guard. Groce and his staff have targeted five guys for now, with the prize being Gilbert. Look for Illinois to also go after either a big wing or a big man, and hold the final scholarship for '17 since that class is loaded with in-state talent.