Chicago Big-Man Draws Interest From Illinois Basketball

Originally posted on Armchair Illini
By Kirkland Chappell | Last updated 3/27/24

Chicago Big-Man Draws Interest From Illinois Basketball

On Tuesday, another Chicago native was added to the transfer portal watch list for Illinois Basketball. It was announced on March 18th that Northern Illinois University Forward Xavier Amos had decided to step away from the Huskies, and enter the transfer Portal. Since entering his name, the 6’8 forward has built himself an impressive list of suitors in the market. Of course, including the Fighting Illini. Check out his full list from Max Feldman of Made Hoops Scouting below.

Since entering the portal, NIU transfer Xavier Amos has heard the most from:

Kansas
Texas
Virginia
Illinois
Xavier
California
VCU

6-8 sophomore averaged 14 points (49% FG & 38% 3PT), 6 rebounds and 2 stocks this season. Chicago native. pic.twitter.com/NaioTWunW3

— Max Feldman (@MaxFeldman6) March 26, 2024

What’s The Big Deal

Xavier sized up at 6’8 and 215 lbs in 2023-24. Some work is needed with Adam Fletcher before Big Ten battles. However, Underwood and Fletch’s weight room development is stellar, and the addition of Jon Sanderson only helps. The tools are there for Amos, however the Big Ten is a tough place in the paint.

In 2023, the sophomore totaled a season average of 14 points per game for the Huskies. As well as an average of 6 rebounds and 2 blocks per game. Amos captured a 49% FG average throughout the season, as well as a 38% average from deep. He has nice spring, and athleticism, and with some work with Fletch in the training room, has potential to be a good 4-5 man in the Big Ten.

Fans will love the fact that Amos is a Chi-town native. An attendee of Whitney Young High School, and former class 4a runner-up in 2022. Xavier was named a Chicago Sun-Times All-State First Team player. As well as a class 4A All-State First Team, voted by the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association. Certainly, he isn’t shy to success and winning.

Why It Matters

Coleman Hawkins and Quincy Guerrier will soon be exiting the program for careers beyond college basketball. Quincy, a grad transfer from Oregon and Syracuse, has been a solid piece for this 2023-24 unit. A solid 3-point shooter, who has had some really big games for Illinois. Certainly, Quincy will look to take the next step in his career, and find himself on a professional roster. Coleman continues to creep up NBA boards in recent weeks. Currently, the Cali native is projected as a 2nd round pick in the 2024 NBA draft. He is a 4-year veteran for Illinois Basketball, and one of the few true HS developers on Underwoods roster. Certainly, there will be big shoes to fill on this roster in 2024-25. Will the Chicago native be the key?