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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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Mar 23, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; A general view of official NCAA Tournament basketballs prior to the game between the Louisville Cardinals against the South Florida Bulls in the second round of the women /

Scenario No. 5: Mayan Kiir + 5th Year Transfer

The scenarios continue and this one still includes Kiir, but this time, it is a fifth-year transfer that would take up the final 2017 scholarship.

Kiir would be that dominant force that everyone hopes to secure at Illinois.

Illinois Fighting Illini
Illinois Fighting Illini /

Illinois Fighting Illini

Illinois needs another big body to help out with Tilmon and that is what Kiir would provide.

Even if Kiir would commit to Illinois there would be another scholarship available.

This scholarship could go to a fifth-year transfer.  The fifth-year transfer option would come available after this upcoming season.

There aren’t a ton of needs for the Illini but they could always use another big man.

In addition to Kiir, I would like to see Illinois add another player over 6-foot-8.  This would be the best case scenario if the Illini snag a fifth-year transfer.

This player then would take over behind Tilmon and Kiir would move over to the forward spot.

Moving the pieces around like this would make the Illinois lineup the best it could be for 2017.

Here is what the Illinois lineup would look like with Kiir and a fifth-year transfer.

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: DJ Williams 3rd Rotation: Da’Monte Williams

Forward: Leron Black, Backup: Mayan Kiir 3rd Rotation: Michael Finke

Center: Jeremiah Tilmon, Backup: 5th Year Transfer

This lineup would make for a strong front court.  I would be excited to see what this front court could do in the Big Ten.

There are many options the Illini have on the table right now.  I am actually probably leaving a few out as well

Next: Illini Developing Same Construct as 2005 Team

The future is bright for this Illinois basketball team.  I cannot wait to see how things play out with the final two scholarships.

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