Utah Targeting 2024 Four-Star Guard Jase Butler After Illinois Release

After being released from his Illinois NLI, Jase Butler becomes a valuable prospect for the Runnin' Utes following the transfer of point guard Rollie Worster

Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY

Despite their season only recently ending after an NIT Semifinal loss to Indiana State, Utah basketball isn’t wasting any time, targeting recruits and transfers to change the tide of their future. 

One of the Runnin’ Utes reported targets is Jase Butler, a Rivals150 shooting guard who is ranked as the No. 30 overall player at his position (according to Rivals). Butler previously committed to the University of Illinois as part of the 2024 class. 

NEWS: Rivals150 G Jase Butler has been released from letter of intent with Illinois. Call, Utah and Stanford are among those expected to be in play. @IllinoisRivals https://t.co/LU28HI8qDt

— Rob Cassidy (@Cassidy_Rob) April 8, 2024

On Tuesday (April 8th) Butler decommitted from the Fighting Illini after signing his national letter of intent in October. A 6-foot-4, 180-pound guard, Butler played his senior season at The Branson School in San Francisco, California. 

Since signing with Illinois in October, Butler has steadily risen in class rankings. As 247Sports reported, “Butler was a big riser…since committing to Illinois. Last September, he ranked No. 270 in the country but currently is the No. 97 prospect in the Class of 2024.” 

The Runnin’ Utes lacked a horse in the race of Butler’s initial commitment. However, Rivals head of basketball operations Rob Cassidy noted in a post on X that Utah is “in play” for the newly released guard. 

Jase Butler ready to shine bright in Champaign, Illinois next season! 33pts vs the regninig NorCal Champs St Joseph @4JaseButler @bransonhoops @CoachFrazierILL pic.twitter.com/tSOF8jmxgS

— SIMPLY BASKETBALL (@simplyy_bball) January 22, 2024

Butler would be a massive pickup for a Runnin’ Utes squad that recently lost point guard Rollie Worster to the portal. 

"He's a primary handler. He plays a lot on the ball, primarily on the ball for them,” said Illinois head coach Brad Underwood on Butler’s ability, “He's a crafty player; very, very savvy with the ball. He's a terrific passer. That's one of the things that impressed me the most. He delivers the ball on time to guys coming off screens. He's a guy who makes the right reads. He's not a guy you have to rep a ton of things with. He's going to make the right read just by what the defense does. He's instinctive that way. He is big and physical so he can play off the ball both ways, offensively and defensively."