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Illinois Basketball: Illini offer 2019 big man Balsa Koprivica

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - DECEMBER 11: Illinois Fighting Illini flag flies during the game against the Norfolk State Spartans at Assembly Hall on December 11, 2012 in Champaign, Illinois. Illinois won 64-54. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - DECEMBER 11: Illinois Fighting Illini flag flies during the game against the Norfolk State Spartans at Assembly Hall on December 11, 2012 in Champaign, Illinois. Illinois won 64-54. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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The Illinois basketball team got in another big man sweepstakes on Monday night.

Illinois extended an offer to Balsa Koprivica. He is a 7-foot, 240-pound center from Montverde Academy in Orlando, Florida. He is rated as a four-star recruit who is the No. 58 player in the class of 2019. He also has some big-time programs coming after him as well.

As of right now, Koprivica sits with roughly 21 scholarship offers including the Illini. That means Illinois was a little late to the party, but he hasn’t been on all of his official visits yet. He has only taken one and that was to Baylor back on February 27. That means he has four official visits left and, hopefully, Illinois can get in on his recruitment.

Koprivica helped the Georgia Stars AAU team to a 2-2 record in the Peach Invitational this past weekend as well. He finished the tournament averaging 14.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.2 blocks per game. He was amazing for his team. Koprivica finished the tournament with the fifth most rebounds, one spot ahead of another Illini target, Kahlil Whitney.

I believe Illinois and Koprivica would be a perfect match for a few reasons. This kid has a lot of talent, and the Illini need another No. 5 for the future. That is the main reason. The next reason is what Koprivica brings to the table as far as type of game.

Koprivica is more of a traditional big man when it comes to the offensive end of the court. He has amazing touch around the hoop and can even float them in from 10-feet out. On the defensive end of the court and in the rebounding department, he is a beast.

I am amazed by the skill Koprivica has on the boards. He can pull down rebounds on both ends of the court. His defense then takes his game over the top. He can play the traditional big man defense, but he can also step out and guard at the three-point line. His footwork is tremendous.

Next: Illini need to land 2 of the 5 recruits on this list

It would be great if Illinois could get in on Koprivica’s recruitment. They could use a player like him in 2019 and beyond. He would be one of the missing pieces to a potential title team.

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