Illinois has made another move in Kansas, and this one could matter a lot down the line. Wichita East sophomore point guard Jada Davis picked up a scholarship offer from Shauna Green and the Illini last Friday, adding another high-major program to an already crowded list.
Davis announced the offer on social media, and the momentum around her name has been building fast. ESPN has her at No. 14 nationally in its 2029 SportsCenter NEXT - Terrific 25 rankings, while Prep Girls Hoops lists her No. 2 in Kansas in the class of 2029.
That rise makes sense when you look at what she has already done early in her high school career. Through 28 games, Davis averaged 14.9 points, 3.5 assists and 3.9 steals, helping Wichita East finish 22-6 and land at No. 10 in Kansas.
The offer sheet tells you plenty about the kind of recruit she has become. Illinois joins Arkansas, Texas State, Iowa State, Iowa, Mississippi State, Northwestern, Miami, Oklahoma State, Kansas State and Georgia Tech in pursuing her.
What makes Davis stand out is the blend of size and skill she already brings to the backcourt. At 6-foot-1, she can score going downhill, use her frame against smaller defenders and shift between point guard and wing duties depending on what the game asks for.
Her defensive impact has been just as loud. Davis’ length gives her an edge on the perimeter, and the steals numbers back it up. She has been a problem for opposing teams at Wichita East, and that kind of disruption is a big part of her value.
For Illinois, the fit is easy to see. If Green lands Davis, the Illini would have a potential point guard of the future waiting in the wings for when Destiny Jackson moves on. And with the development that usually comes between sophomore year and college, Davis has the look of a player who could grow into one of the best in the country.
She’s not a name to file away and forget. Jada Davis is already making noise, and Illinois is now in the mix.
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Bielemas track record in Champaign suggests that is a realistic target. Illinois has already played in three bowl games under him against SEC opponents, and while a College Football Playoff run is not viewed as likely, the rest of the schedule leaves room for the Illini to clean things up and position themselves for another postseason trip. The setting may not be glamorous, but for Illinois, a return to the bowl line would still count as a meaningful step. [Read more 🡒]