Illinois Shows Interest in Furman Transfer Guard Alex Wilkins
With the transfer portal now open (April 7–21), Illinois has already emerged as a potential suitor for Furman guard Alex Wilkins, according to The Portal Report. The Illini appear to be targeting a new lead guard, especially with Keaton Wagler expected to move on to the next level, and Wilkins could be a strong candidate to fill that role.
Who Is Alex Wilkins?
Wilkins arrived at Furman as an unranked recruit in the 2025 class but quickly made an impact. As a freshman, he averaged 17.8 points and 4.7 assists, helping lead Furman to an NCAA Tournament appearance. The team nearly pulled off a first-round upset against UConn, and Wilkins stood out with a 21-point, four-assist performance against one of the nation’s top defenses.
Scouting Report
Wilkins’ game shares similarities with Wagler’s, particularly in his shooting mechanics and ability to operate in pick-and-roll situations. He thrived running ball-screen actions at Furman and showed strong playmaking ability, though his decision-making still needs refinement.
At 6-foot-5, he brings ideal size for a guard and has the ability to create his own shot. He averaged 1.9 made three-pointers per game, displaying a wide range of shot-making skills, though he shot just 32.8% from beyond the arc. His 82.4% free-throw shooting suggests room for improvement as a perimeter shooter.
Wilkins can attack the basket using his length and control, drawing over four free-throw attempts per game. However, there are concerns, including a high turnover rate (3.8 per game), limited rebounding, and modest defensive production. His foul total also raises questions about discipline on that end of the floor.
Despite some areas for improvement, Wilkins offers significant upside as a scorer and creator with the physical tools to succeed at the Big Ten level. Unlike Wagler, he may benefit from multiple seasons at Illinois, giving the program a chance to develop him into a more complete player over time.
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