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.
2017 big man Greg Eboigbodin (@gregorymike004) is currently on the #Illini campus for a visit - per a source. Former UIC signee.
— Derek Piper (@DPiper247) May 31, 2017
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.
UD-Jesuit's Julian Dozier 21pt 7ast, Greg Eboigbodin 15pt 16 reb 4 blk, Daniel Friday 11pt 6reb. Maliq Carr 21pt 6reb for Oak Park
— TJ Kelley (@scoopIPS) March 11, 2017
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.
Won't find a better player with a better motor than UDJ 2017 PF Greg Eboigbodin.
— Detroit Griot (@JustCallmeBHunt) March 3, 2017
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.