Evansville Sharp-Shooter Commits to Illinois Basketball

Originally posted on Armchair Illini
By Kirkland Chappell | Last updated 4/30/24

Evansville Sharp-Shooter Commits to Illinois Basketball

Illinois Basketball has their good news. The 2024 market has been a whirlwind of highly talented players hitting the road for better-fitting destinations. Certainly, the Illini have found themselves right in the middle of it all, and capitalizing. Adding talented players like Arizona PG Kaylan Boswell, Notre Dame Forward Carey Booth, Mercer Guard Jake Davis, and Louisville guard Tre White.

On April 30th , it was announced that Illinois Basketball head coach Brad Underwood snagged his 5th commitment from the ever-fluid transfer portal. It’s now official that Evansville University Small Forward/Guard Ben Humrichous has pledged his commitment to the Illini. Initially, the sharpshooter began his career at Huntington University (IN, NAIA) before taking the step up to Evansville. The athletic forward had a great season for the Purple Aces (stats below) and announced on March 28th that he would enter the transfer portal while testing the waters of the NBA. Of course, with the intention of raising his stock further. With Ben’s commitment, Illinois now has 3 scholarships left available for Underwood and Antigua to get to finish the job.

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Armchair Illini Breakdown: Ben Humrichous

The native of Tipton Indiana averaged 14.7 points 4.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists per game in 2023 for the Purple Aces. As well as shooting 48.4% from the floor, and 41.4% from 3-point range. A stellar performance from the 6’9 athletic forward. Certainly, a player Brad Underwood and Illinois Basketball need on this roster. With the loss of Coleman Hawkins, Marcus Domask (pending), Quincy Guerrier, and Dain Dainja, the Illini need big bodies. A monster center and a stretch forward are just what the doctor ordered for Illinois.

Ben is a really solid stretch-forward option to fill the need. He is a really good shooter overall, from anywhere on the floor. Plus, his 6’9 and athletic frame will be suitable for Underwood’s “booty ball” scheme. Will his game translate to a higher level like the Big Ten? Time will tell. However, Illinois has a great recent track record of helping transfers, of all levels, develop. As well as take a step forward in their careers.