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Illinois Basketball: Final 2 Scholarship Scenarios for the Illini

By Rees Woodcock

Jan 3, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach John Groce directs his team against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Value City Arena. Ohio State won the game 75-73. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach John Groce directs his team against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Value City Arena. Ohio State won the game 75-73. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports /
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November 14, 2014; Stanford, CA, USA; Detail view of a Nike basketball held by a NCAA official during the first half between the Stanford Cardinal and the Boston College Eagles at Maples Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Scenario No. 3: Mayan Kiir + Abu Kigab

There are a few scenarios when the Illinois basketball team snags two freshmen for 2017.  This scenario has the Illini loading up on size.

Illinois has the possibility of securing two players that have over 6-foot-5 size.

The first would be Kiir who I have already mentioned.  He would be a great option to help spell minutes for Tilmon and be a go-to-guy for Groce.

Illinois then could snag forward Abu Kigab as well.

Kigab is only 6-foot-6 but he is long and athletic.  He would be a great addition to really cause mismatches for the Illini.

Illinois has a few solid players that have the same build as Kigab but there is always room for more.

Kigab would bring depth and strength to the Illini on the front lines.  He would be a great asset for when the Illini want to go smaller and run the floor.

Here is the Illinois lineup with Kiir and Kigab.

Point Guard: Te’Jon Lucas, Backup: Trent Frazier

Shooting Guard: Jalen Coleman-Lands, Backup: Aaron Jordan, 3rd Rotation: Javon Pickett

Guard/Forward: Kipper Nichols, Backup: Da’Monte Williams 3rd Rotation: Abu Kigab

Forward: Leron Black, Backup: DJ Williams 3rd Rotation: Michael Finke

Center: Jeremiah Tilmon, Backup: Mayan Kiir

Adding Kigab with Kiir would be great for the third rotation on the team.  This would help bring in fresh bodies when Big Ten season rolls around.

Next: Scenario #4

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