Illinois Alums Divided Over Program's Player Movement in Transfer Era

You've been watching from the sidelines, investing in Illinois basketball, living and dying with every step-back three-point shot and bobbled crossover dribble. It's exultation with every win. Agony with every defeat.

But, friends, we're here to tell you: You're gonna have to pace yourself. Because the off-court moves are far bigger – and now almost as frequent – as those to be followed on the court. And, not for nothing, you have zero control over both.

This is a new era of college basketball. Illinois fans don't have to like it, but they would do well to remember that it's a two-way street – one that has already benefited the Illini. Howl about player loyalty all you want, but be sure to first pour one out for Arizona, Louisville, Evansville and Notre Dame for what they lost to the Illini a year ago.

Meanwhile, if it helps, know that there are familiar faces with ties to the program who share your frustrations – or your support of player emancipation.

Former Illini greats Meyers Leonard and Dee Brown never mention Morez Johnson Jr., Tre White and Carey Booth entering the transfer portal over the pas few days – nor do they have to – but each has widely different takes on the current player movement in coach Brad Underwood's Illinois program:

Before I send this group of tweets.. This has absolutely nothing to do with any of the players that have come and gone from the University of Illinois basketball program. I am speaking strictly from my experience when I was at school there.
— Meyers Leonard (@MeyersLeonard) March 29, 2025

It’s a different game now. Players have the power and freedom to pursue bigger opportunities and they are doing it no matter how good the relationship is-it’s business! I’m happy they getting that bag- I cant hate so I congratulate all the hoopers getting active! #RealHooper
— Coach Dee Brown (@deebrown11) March 29, 2025

And a retweet from an Illini alum who understands all the angles of the new system as well as anyone:

The Coaches’ Portal is ALWAYS open. The question is, why isn’t the NCAA system complaining about “tampering,” “commitment,” or “loyalty” as it does with player decisions? That’s what hypocrisy looks like. If you want players to stay in place, collectively bargain or sign them to… https://t.co/ocEQhCQnIS
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) March 30, 2025

You could argue that all three are right. NIL and the transfer portal are devastating team chemistry, consistency and fan investment, among other aspects of college basketball. At the same time, players had been unfairly compensated and restricted for far too long – while coaches who preached "loyalty" and "sacrifice" to their players failed to hold themselves to the same standard.

Illinois Alums Divided Over Program's Player Movement in Transfer Era

More From Illinois on Sports Illustrated:

Illinois Basketball Makes Top Four of High-Scoring Big 12 Transfer Guard

Social Media Reacts to Illinois Losing Tre White to Transfer Portal

Morez Johnson Jr. Enters Transfer Portal, Sends Illinois Fans Spiraling