Illinois basketball made a big recruiting and transfer portal move on Sunday night.

No, the Illini didn’t add a player from the college or high school ranks. We actually added a coach. Orlando Antigua made his return to Champaign after a short stint with the Kentucky Wildcats.

Antigua is the new Illini associate head coach. He was with the program from 2017 through 2021 until Kentucky poached him. Now the great recruiter and coach is back with the Illini ready to make a run at the national championship.

Hopefully, Antigua is able to bring along some great recruits and transfer portal players. That would be optimal.

Here are the top Kentucky recruits and transfer portal targets for the Illinois basketball team

Boogie Fland – Class of 2024

One of the top players I want right now is Boogie Fland. He is a talented player who could take the Illinois backcourt from really good to legendary next season.

Fland is a 6-foot-2, 170-pound combo guard from Archbishop Stepinac High School in New York. He is rated as a five-star recruit and ranked as the No. 19 player in the class of 2024. He is also the No. 2 combo guard in the country and the No. 3 player coming out of New York.

Throughout 2023, Fland took multiple visits. On October 20, he decided to commit to Kentucky. He signed with the Wildcats in November.

After Calipari left Kentucky, this made Fland rethink his decision. On April 15, he reopened his recruitment and is now looking for a new home.

Fland is an elite player who would start for literally every team in college basketball. Now that Antigua is in the fold, Illinois could have a chance with Fland. I have the talented combo guard starting at the No. 2 guard spot for the Illini.

Kylan Boswell would continue to be the No. 1 guard. I would likely move Luke Goode over to the No. 3 spot. This opens the door for Fland to come in and start from day one. Tre White then might be moved to the second rotation as a slasher. Illinois’ shooting would be incredible with Fland in the mix.

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