C Wadly Mompremier
Like I previously mentioned, Tilmon will need a backup next season. Right now, I have Michael Finke as the projected backup center but he has some serious limitations at that position. I think he fits more in the forward role.
Getting a center like Wadly Mompremier would be good for Brad Underwood. He is a 6-foot-10, 229-pound, center from the Ohio Bobcats. He decided to take a redshirt year this past season to pursue graduate transfer eligibility.
Mompremier would be eligible to play immediately for the Illini and that is what they need. He would be able to provide the backup capabilities that are necessary for success.
The three seasons Mompremier was with Ohio, he didn’t light the world on fire. He only averaged 4.4 minutes, .8 points and .9 rebounds per game his freshman season.
During his sophomore campaign, Mompremier doubled his minutes and stats. He averaged 8.3 minutes, 1.4 points and 1.1 rebounds pre game that season. His final season with the Bobcats was decent, though. He managed to get 9.1 minutes, 2.6 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. Those are stats that can translate into a solid backup option.
If Mompremier gets 15 minutes per game, which is what I want out of a backup center, he would average roughly 5 points and 5 rebounds per game. Illinois needs that production off the bench.
Getting a player like Mompremier would be huge for the Illini and I hope it happens.