Illinois Basketball: Greg Eboigbodin is exactly what Brad Underwood needs

Mar 17, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys head coach Brad Underwood reacts against the Michigan Wolverines during the first half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys head coach Brad Underwood reacts against the Michigan Wolverines during the first half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The Illinois basketball team isn’t done recruiting for the class of 2017.

Derek Piper of Scout first reported yesterday that class of 2017 center, Greg Eboigbodin, is visiting Champaign this week. This is big news coming from Illinois considering they have struck out on a few class of 2017 and graduate transfer centers for this upcoming season.

On paper, Eboigbodin isn’t a star by any means. He is only rated as a two-star recruit who is the No. 453 player in the class of 2017 and the No. 8 player in the state of Michigan. He attended the University of Detroit Jesuit High School in Detroit, Michigan and really hasn’t had many programs look at him.

Eboigbodin originally committed to the University of Illinois-Chicago back in October 2016. But, on April 17, 2017, he decided to ask for his release from his Letter of Intent with the Flames. He is now back on the market for the class of 2017, and it sounds like the Illini are pouncing.

Like mentioned earlier, Eboigbodin isn’t a star according to the recruiting ranks. Usually, programs in the Big Ten and other power-five conference teams aren’t even looking at two-star athletes. This one might be different, though.

Just going through the Twitter feed when searching Eboigbodin’s name, you can see the numbers this kid has put up his senior year. One stat line reads at the end of a game on March 10, 15 points, 16 rebounds and 4 blocks.

Then you have a Detroit journalist mention how great of a motor Eboigbodin has on the basketball court. That is always positive news, especially in a Brad Underwood offense.

And then you look at the tape and all of the previous information that has been put in front of me comes to life. This kid has a lot of great attributes to become a good player in the Big Ten. Is he raw, sure, but that is exciting to see how he develops in his four years with the Illini.

Next: Player expectations for 2017-2018 season

There is enough talent there at the base of Eboigbodin’s game to know that he can help this team next season. He has the ability to be a shot blocker and a defender, and that is what Illinois really needs in the paint.