The Carey Booth experiment at Illinois might just be over. After a not-so-impressive season with Illinois, the 6’10” sophomore joins the transfer portal for a second time. Booth joined Illinois after his stint with Notre Dame. As a freshman, he averaged 6.4 points, 4.3 rebounds per game, shooting a modest 29.7% from deep.
Yet, he was barely on the court for Illinois. With only 21 appearances and limited minutes, Booth found himself warming the bench even when the team faced frontcourt injuries. Now, he’s searching for a fresh start. But where will he go next?
5 Transfer Landing Spots for Carey Booth
1) Ohio State Buckeyes
Booth initially had an offer from Ohio State before he originally committed elsewhere. The Buckeyes, fresh off a 17-15 season, are relying heavily on their transfer portal to reshape their roster.
They are adding guard, forward, and center players, which means Booth might just have a chance here. With Ohio State seemingly leading the charge for Indiana transfer Gabe Cupps, the program is showing the world it is serious about its transfers. Booth could be a versatile forward, and given his prior connection to the program, this makes a lot of sense.
2) Texas Longhorns
Texas has roster spots—none, to be precise—after the 19-16 season and a First Four exit. The Longhorns are set to lose multiple players, including projected NBA Draft pick Tre Johnson, which means a frontcourt shake-up is inevitable. Head Coach Sean Miller will need to hit the portal aggressively.
Texas is another college that initially offered Booth an offer. With the scholarship limit increasing from 13 to 15, the Longhorns have room to take a chance on the former four-star recruit. Austin might be the right place if Booth wants a fresh start in a big-time basketball environment.
3) Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana’s season ended in disappointment. They missed the NCAA Tournament and declined other postseason invites. Their roster is in flux, with key forwards Gabe Cupps and Malik Reneau hitting the portal.
This leaves a big void in their forward play, which Booth could fill. The Hoosiers need depth, and Booth could get meaningful minutes in a system that values inside-out versatility.
4) Penn State Nittany Lions
Penn State needs a good forward. Booth was committed to the Nittany Lions before following Micah Shrewsberry to Notre Dame. He has a deep history with the college. Booth’s father, Calvin Booth, played at Penn State before heading to the NBA.
Now, with Hudson Ward leaving, the Nittany Lions are looking to build their forward game. Booth’s return to where his college journey almost began would be a full-circle moment, and he could finally carve out the role he never got in Illinois.
5) Butler Bulldogs
Sometimes, taking a step back might help. That’s what Butler could offer Booth. The Big East program might not have the same prestige as his previous stops, but it could allow him to be a focal point.
Booth wouldn’t be the first player to transfer to a more minor program, develop, and then take another leap. If Booth wants playing time, Butler could be a good fit.
KEEP READING: Tae Davis Transfer Portal Landing Spots
Booth’s next move will define his college career. Does he go big and battle for minutes, or find a program where he can shine immediately?
Wherever he lands, this is his shot at redemption.
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