Illinois Basketball Transfer Targets Narrowed as Tre White Chooses Six Programs

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Tre White, a 6-foot-7 junior basketball player, has cut his transfer options down to six schools, including Mississippi State and USC. The announcement was made on Wednesday, revealing that White is not in a hurry to finalize his decision, having yet to visit any of the programs on his list.

White, who had a standout season with the Illinois Fighting Illini, averaged 10.5 points and 5.5 rebounds over 32 games. He showcased his offensive skills by shooting 50.6 percent from the field and scoring over 20 points in five games, while also securing double-digit rebounds in four matchups.

Despite Illinois finishing the season with a 22-13 record and a second-round exit in the NCAA Tournament, White made a significant impact on the court. Now, he’s evaluating his options after starting his college career at USC before transferring to Louisville and then landing with the Illini.

According to 247 Sports, Mississippi State is vying for White’s attention after losing players like Riley Kugel to the transfer portal. Head Coach Chris Jans is focusing on reloading his roster and believes White would be a crucial addition. White’s unique ability to attack the basket, alongside his notable improvements as a shooter, makes him an appealing target. His free-throw percentage has soared from 69.0 percent during his freshman year to 82.4 percent this season.

White’s experience in high-major conferences positions him as a battle-tested candidate as he navigates potential school changes. He faces competition from programs like Kansas, St. John's, Oklahoma, Cincinnati, and USC, all keen to secure his commitment.

Before the transfer announcement, White’s performance at Illinois drew praise, particularly for his agility and finish under pressure, with an impressive 58.7 percent on two-point shots. He averaged 3.2 free-throw attempts per game, which further highlights his capability to draw fouls and create scoring opportunities.

Meanwhile, Illinois is responding to roster changes, notably the departures of key players, including White. The Illini’s coaching staff is actively seeking new talent to join the program as they strategize for the upcoming season.

In related news, AJ Storr, a former Illinois target, has entered the transfer portal for the third time, signaling a potential shift in the landscape of college basketball transfers. With teams like Illinois heavily involved in recruitment, the upcoming months will be critical for team rosters across the nation.