College programs and coaches are right in the middle of working on their 2022 recruiting class. Many programs have already found a ton of success for that class but one program that has caught my eyes early on with a few players we have personally seen has been Illinois.
The Fighting Illini have secured commitments from Reggie Bass, Sencire Harris, and now Jayden Epps, giving them three extremely well-rounded and dynamic guards in the future. Phenom Hoops has personally had a chance to watch two of them in action recently, as Bass and Epps have been extremely impressive while Harris looks to be a dynamic scoring guard as well.
Below is what has been said in the past about Bass and Epps, while speaking with Harris in how he would describe his game.
2022 Reggie Bass:
“Bass, who is already committed to Illinois, was simply sensational all throughout the event. Hitting big shots, being an absolute scoring threat all over the court, and showcasing terrific handles in how to create space and opportunities for himself… he showed it all and with his size at 6’5, there weren’t many that could even slow him down. Posting multiple 20+ performances, he helped lead Team Teague to an undefeated weekend. With the ball in his hands, Bass shows a tremendous feel for the game, whether it is scoring the ball on all levels or finding teammates on the floor. One thing can be said, Illinois has a good one coming their way.”
2022 Jayden Epps:
“Jayden has a great motor and is a strong, physical playmaker. He uses his powerful frame, a solid handle, and attacks angles nicely. He likes to get downhill where he overpowers many defenders and has the ability to get into the body of bigger defenders and create contact where he is strong enough to get his shot off and create extra opportunities at the free-throw line. Jayden can score at all levels, absorbs contact nicely, and has a great touch around the rim in addition to high-level shot-making skill with the jumper. He is a menace defensively, always applying ball pressure and playing with tenacity.”
2022 Sencire Harris:
When speaking to Harris about his game, he has this to say in how he would describe his game. “I describe my game as (Russell) Westbrook because of how quick I am with the ball and my speed and how I can finish at the rim.”
From what we have seen though, these three guards should certainly have Illinois fans buzzing about the future and the Big Ten should be on high alert down the road.