Carey Booth, a forward for the Illinois Fighting Illini, has officially entered the transfer portal after a season that fell short of expectations. Booth, who transferred to Illinois last offseason from Notre Dame, was expected to provide depth for the team. However, his role on the team was limited, and he struggled to make an impact during the 2024-2025 season. According to reports from 247, Booth only appeared in 21 games, averaging just over one point and one rebound per game. His lack of playing time and minimal contributions led to his decision to leave the program.
Booth’s journey to Illinois began with high hopes. After spending his freshman season at Notre Dame, he transferred to Illinois, where there was anticipation that he could develop into a solid role player off the bench. The Illini were already stacked with talent in the frontcourt, featuring Morez Johnson and Tomislav Ivisic, but Booth was expected to contribute in some capacity. Unfortunately, he found himself buried on the bench for most of the season, playing only a handful of minutes in various games.
Throughout the season, Booth’s playing time was sporadic, and he was unable to establish himself as a consistent contributor. Eleven of his 21 appearances came in non-conference play, further highlighting his limited role within the team. Despite Illinois experiencing injuries and illness among their big men, head coach Brad Underwood opted not to give Booth more significant playing time, which likely played a part in his decision to enter the transfer portal.
The transfer portal has become a regular part of college basketball, and Booth’s decision to leave Illinois is just one example of how players navigate their careers. As programs look to improve their rosters, players like Booth who find limited roles are often left with the option of seeking a fresh start at a new school. This move will give Booth the opportunity to find a better fit where he can potentially earn more playing time and have a more significant impact on the court.
As Booth becomes the first Illinois player to enter the transfer portal this offseason, it will be interesting to see if other Illini players follow suit. The coming weeks and months are likely to bring more news about potential departures and additions to the team. For now, Illinois will look to regroup and assess how they can fill the void left by Booth’s departure while continuing to strengthen their roster for future seasons.
