As the basketball season approaches, it’s time to revisit the journeys of the players who once wore our colors but now call other courts home. But here’s where it gets controversial: not all departures are created equal, and the way these players left—and where they landed—determines their spot in our Ex-Illini Power Rankings. Think of it as a breakup playlist, where every player gets a song that matches their exit strategy. Let’s dive in, shall we?
12. Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk, South Carolina
“I left my baby and it feels so bad…”
Wait, what? Bosmans-Verdonk is 36? Just kidding—he’s finally out of eligibility after what felt like an eternity. Now a law student at South Carolina, maybe he’ll one day represent Illinois in a lawsuit defending the right to recruit European talent. Stranger things have happened, right?
11. Paxten Warden, University of Wisconsin-Parkside
“I wanna know your name… why you gotta be anonymous?”
Did you think we’d forget about Paxten? The former Illini walk-on broke out at Lewis University last year, averaging 14.2 points, 2.9 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game. But even in the lower tiers of college basketball, the grass always looks greener. Now he’s off to UW-Parkside in Kenosha. Will it be a step up? Only time will tell.
10. Niccolo Moretti, Florida Atlantic
“Che bella cosa na jurnata ‘e sole…”
Moretti traded Champaign for the sunny skies of Boca Raton last year, chasing more playing time. He got it, averaging 22 minutes, six points, and three rebounds per game. But here’s the twist: with Dusty May gone, FAU is back to obscurity in the American Conference. Moretti wasn’t quite Big Ten-ready defensively, but I wish him nothing but the best in Florida. Maybe he’ll double those stats next to Indiana’s Kanaan Carlyle.
9. Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, UNLV
“Viva Las Vegas…”
Dra is this year’s Moretti—a fan favorite with intensity to spare, now seeking starter minutes in the mid-major ranks. His jumper was always a gamble, so Las Vegas feels like the perfect fit. UNLV has an outside shot at an at-large bid, and Dra could be the spark they need. Let’s hope Lady Luck is on his side.
8. Carey Booth, Colorado State
“When I’m away from you, I’m happier than ever…”
Carey’s departure was swift and predictable, moving closer to his parents in Denver. There’s no real animosity here—unless he pulls a Brandin Podziemski and becomes an NBA star overnight. Based on his limited minutes at Illinois, that seems unlikely. Still, we wish him well.
7. Amani Hansberry, Virginia Tech
“Loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA…”
Amani is on the move again, but don’t call him disloyal. He’s sticking with his recruiter, Chester Frazier, now at Virginia Tech. And this is the part most people miss: Amani’s battled back issues, but if he stays healthy, he could be a top player for the Hokies, a team hovering around the NCAA bubble. Could we see him as an assistant coach someday? Stranger things have happened.
6. Sencire Harris, Cincinnati
“I’m begging me, don’t let me go…”
Sencire’s journey is a rollercoaster. After a redshirt year and a viral highlight reel, he followed Frazier to West Virginia, where he became an all-defensive team player and improved his free throw shooting from 20% to 75%. But his three-point shooting plummeted, and his coach jumped ship for Indiana. Now at Cincinnati, he’s already in the spotlight after a social media feud with dismissed star Jizzle James. Controversial question: Is Harris’s lockdown defense worth the drama? Let’s discuss in the comments.
5. Adam Miller, Gonzaga
“Remember when we broke up the first time…”
Miller left Illinois after a promising freshman year, supposedly to have the ball in his hands more. Four years, three conferences, and zero NCAA bids later, he’s essentially the same player. This summer, Illinois considered bringing him back, but negotiations fell apart. Now at Gonzaga, he’ll finally get a taste of winning again. Bold statement: Was leaving Illinois the biggest mistake of his career? You tell me.
4. Jayden Epps, Mississippi State
“’Cause this is bullshit…”
Epps left Illinois for Georgetown, where he scored 18 points per game on inefficient shooting. His coach, Ed Cooley, took unwarranted shots at Illinois, calling it a “bullshit school.” After a disappointing season, Epps transferred to Mississippi State, joining a backcourt crowded with similar players. Thought-provoking question: Did Epps make the right move, or is he just chasing the wrong goals?
3. Tre White, Kansas
“I’ve been everywhere, man…”
Tre White is the poster child for the transfer era, playing in four conferences in four years. A solid role player, he’s now at Kansas, a blue blood program. Controversial take: Is he a mercenary, or just a player maximizing his opportunities? Let’s hear your thoughts.
2. Skyy Clark, UCLA
“It’s the edge of the world and all of Western civilization…”
Skyy has found stability at UCLA, becoming a strong defender under Mick Cronin. While I’ve moved past his departure, he still plays for a conference rival. Bold question: Should we still hold a grudge, or is it time to let go?
1. Morez Johnson, Michigan
“Used to have friends, now I got enemies…”
Could anyone else top this list? Johnson reportedly agreed to an NIL deal with Illinois, only to bolt for Michigan after discovering he could make more money. His dad took shots at Illinois on the way out. Final controversial question: Is Johnson a villain, or just a player looking out for his future? Let the debate begin.
