The Illinois basketball team needs more help for next season, and they made a move to acquire that help today.
It was first announced by Kedric Prince of Rivals that Austin Trice has been offered a scholarship from Brad Underwood and the Illini. This offer comes hours after Trice watched the Illini at the State Farm Center in a Big Ten matchup against Penn State.
Trice is a big forward with some great big man skills. He is listed as a 6-foot-7, 230-pound forward from Mound City, Illinois. He currently attends Wabash Valley Community College of the Great Rivers Athletic Conference. While here, Trice has impressed with his great athletic ability.
Austin Trice just told me he received an offer from the #Illini just now.
— Kedric Prince (@KedPrince4) February 12, 2018
Wabash Valley is one of the best teams in the league sitting with an overall record of 16-8 and a conference record of 9-4. Trice is one of the main reasons why Wabash Valley is good. He is currently averaging 12.7 points and 12.7 rebounds per game this season.
In 17 games this year, Trice has hit the double-digit rebound mark, and in nine of those games he has pulled down at least 15 rebounds. In one game he dropped 17 points and pulled down 21 rebounds. In another game, he had 30 points and 15 rebounds. This kid is putting up amazing stats at the JUCO level and would be an interesting addition to an Illini team that needs someone like him.
Apparently, Trice’s recruitment has already blown up as well. When talking with Prince, Trice said he had 30 DI offers right now and the teams that are showing him the most love is Illinois, Georgetown, Xavier, Tulsa, USF, Nebraska and Dayton. But, he also goes on to say that he feels like he could have a positive impact on the Illini.
#Illini basketball recruiting update 6’7” PF from Hale Franciscan HS, now Wabash Valley College told me today: I have 30 DI offers. I have interest from Illinois Georgetown, Xavier, Tulsa, USF, Nebraska, and Dayton. I feel that I could have a positive impact at Illinois. pic.twitter.com/dxat2mWbMX
— Kedric Prince (@KedPrince4) February 12, 2018
There is a ton of recruiting attention on Trice, but I would make the argument Illinois needs him the most. Heading into next season, there is a serious depth issue with the No. 4 and No. 5 spots for the Illini. They could use a player that can not only score but could also pull down rebounds as well.
Next: 5 takeaways from the Illini loss to Penn State
Illinois has a talented player starting to rise in their own backyard. Let’s not let this one get away. Trice could be a big help for the Illini next season.