The top five transfers of the Brad Underwood era have made significant impacts on Illinois basketball, illustrating how the transfer portal has shaped the team under his leadership. This past offseason alone saw Illinois gain five new scholarship players while losing six others to the portal, reflecting the ongoing transformation of college basketball.
Underwood, who embraced the transfer portal early on, has brought in several key additions. Here’s a look at the five best transfer players he’s brought in so far.
Honorable Mentions:
Quincy Guerrier– After initially pursuing him out of high school and later in the portal, Underwood finally secured Guerrier in 2023. Guerrier went on to start all 38 games for Illinois, ranking fourth in scoring, leading in rebounds, and finishing second in three-point accuracy. His consistent double-doubles were crucial for Illinois’s postseason success.
Dain Dainja – Although his time at Illinois was mixed, Dainja’s highlights included strong performances in the 2024 Big Ten Tournament and a key game against Morehead State, where he scored 21 points and grabbed eight rebounds. He contributed to Illinois’ best postseason run since 2005, hitting 20 consecutive field goals.
Matthew Mayer – Mayer’s one-year stint saw him play a key role in Illinois’ upset of No. 2 Texas at Madison Square Garden. With multiple 20-point games, Mayer left a mark, earning an All-Big Ten Third Team nod.
Top 5 Transfers:
#5 Jacob Grandison – Known as a “glue guy,” Grandison became essential during his two years in Champaign. After adjusting in 2020-21, he started in 16 of the last 17 games, helping Illinois secure a No. 1 seed. In his second season, Grandison started 23 games, averaging 9.6 points per game and shooting 41% from three. Illinois thrived with him on the court, posting a 47-17 record over his tenure.
#4 Andres Feliz – Feliz brought unmatched energy and hustle, averaging 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. His high work rate and intelligent play made him an “Everyday Guy” who exemplified Underwood’s values. His professional success overseas reflects his impact on the Illini.
#3 Alfonso Plummer – Known as a “flamethrower,” Plummer was a game-changer with his shooting skills. He kept Illinois competitive in challenging games, including a crucial first-round NCAA Tournament matchup against Chattanooga. His reliable scoring earned him a spot on the 2022 All-Big Ten Third Team.
#2 Marcus Domask – Domask’s success after transferring from Southern Illinois has been outstanding. He maintained his 15.9 points per game and led Illinois in a win over No. 11 Florida Atlantic with 33 points. His performance included a rare NCAA Tournament triple-double, cementing his status as an Illini fan favorite.
#1 Terrence Shannon Jr. – Shannon stands out as the best transfer of the Underwood era and possibly the best player overall. Dominant in both the 2023 and 2024 seasons, his postseason run in 2024 included a six-game stretch averaging 31 points per game. His achievements, including the highest-scoring season in Illinois history, will be commemorated with his jersey in the rafters.
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