-
Follow Us
On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
Although they could be counted as beneficiaries of the transfer portal during the season, it appears Illinois and coach Brad Underwood have quickly become victims of it since the season's end.
After making it through business hours on Thursday with zero transfer portal entries, the Illini seemed poised, unlike so many other high-major programs, to escape the worst of the portal's impact.
But after forward Carey Booth announced his portal entry Thursday night, a domino effect ensued, as fellow big Morez Johnson Jr. joined him on Friday afternoon. On Saturday, it was junior guard Tre White who made it known, according to ESPN’s Jeff Borzello, that he was taking his talents to the portal.
Illinois junior Tre White has entered the transfer portal, sources told ESPN. Started 31 games and averaged 10.5 points for the Illini this season.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) March 29, 2025
Just six days ago, Illinois was a win away from a Sweet 16 berth in the NCAA Tournament, facing off against third-seeded Kentucky in the second round. Although the Illini fell short, leaving much to be desired after a so-so regular season and finishing Big Ten play just 12-8, the promise of an excellent 2025-2026 campaign was already being anticipated.
Combining newfound experienced with as much talent as any roster in college basketball, Illinois appeared well-positioned to enter next season as a legitimate Final Four threat.
A week later, the Illini are down three key pieces – to say nothing of the likely departures of Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley to the NBA.
Naturally, as Illini Nation tends to do, the orange-and-blue faithful took to social media to vent their frustration over Illinois’ latest loss to the transfer portal. A few of the best reactions:
Sadness
BREAKING: Tre White has entered the transfer portal. I’m sad. Enjoy this cool video I took of him at a game this year. ILL. #illini pic.twitter.com/r0iBE6GWOC
— (@TheConnorPils) March 29, 2025
#DifferentBreed
Tre White will be on his fourth school in four years. The rare quad transfer. https://t.co/YEuhBGu0RX
— Adam Luckett (@AdamLuckettKSR) March 29, 2025
Back to the Drawing Board
Brad Underwood calculating what he can do to make every offseason as hectic as possible pic.twitter.com/D0Wh4pJNqV
— Illini Hype (@illini_hype) March 29, 2025
Potential Silver Lining?
The Tre White transfer news tells me something good is coming from the Josh Dix visit.
— The Oskee Pow-Wow (@TheOskeePowWow) March 29, 2025
Remain Calm, All Is Well
Tre White is a solid player. But Illinois might roll out Boswell, Dix, Riley, Hum, Ivisic with solid vet transfers off the bench. If you’re Tre, why come back and be the 6th option for less money than he’d get elsewhere?Main point… no one knows how it’s going to end up. Relax
— Illini Rant (@IlliniRant) March 29, 2025
More must-reads:
- Dodgers manager offers major update on Shohei Ohtani
- Why Game 5 of the NBA Finals is the most important of the series
- The 'U.S. Open host golf courses' quiz
Breaking News
Trending News
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
