Five-star Class of 2028 center Dylan Betts looks like a can't-miss prospect at 7-foot-3, 280 pounds, and he's considering coach Brad Underwood's Illinois Fighting Illini as his NCAA destination heading into the fall high school basketball season.
Betts holds offers from Kansas, Indiana, North Carolina, Michigan and other college basketball powers and boasts a sublime inside-outside game that belies his unusually large size for a high school junior.
Over the weekend, Betts outlined his reasons for being interested in Underwood's team, speaking candidly about the appeal of his high-scoring system.
Betts Riffs on Underwood System
Betts riffed on the Underwood system in comments made to Chicago State of Mind Sports. He seemed to indicate he could have a role on the Fighting Illini's starting five during the 2028 season, a trend that was noticeable with freshman sensation and top five NBA Draft pick Keaton Wagler in Champaign, Ill. last season.
"I think I would fit in, obviously, I mean I think they don't play their bigs like inside the paint all the time, I think they play on the outside," Betts said. "And they let their bigs shoot a lot, which, I think the game has come to like, bigs shooting on the outside more, I think I fit in with the five for sure."
Betts has the size to eat up space on the inside and the height to shoot over top of defenders on the perimeter. Those two attributes along with his excellent feel for the game have made him a highly-sought after prospect who continues to impress college coaches across the country.
Underwood has an uphill battle on his hands for Betts' services, but his latest comments make a pledge to the Fighting Illini sound like a distinct possibility given the program's recent success developing NBA players.
Illini Roster Needs Future Centers
The Fighting Illini's current roster features plenty of size, but will need reinforcements in the near future. Talented twin brothers Zvonimir Ivisic (a senior) and Tomislav Ivisic (a junior) won't be around forever, giving Betts a potentially golden opportunity to slide into the starting lineup after they leave professional hoops either in the NBA or overseas.
Betts already has the size to give college basketball centers fits, and the versatile talents that Underwood and his staff can go to work on immediately.
Illinois basketball's big men will be tested this season against one of the nation's toughest schedules, but it's all part of the territory for what is rapidly becoming an elite college hoops program. Betts' courtship is one to keep a close eye on this season as it could ultimately determine whether or not Illinois is able to compete for national championships from 2028 onward.