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Illinois Basketball: Top transfer targets the Illini are pursuing 4.0

By Rees Woodcock

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 13: A basketball is shot through the hoop during warmups prior to Game Six of the 2019 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Toronto Raptors at ORACLE Arena on June 13, 2019 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 13: A basketball is shot through the hoop during warmups prior to Game Six of the 2019 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Toronto Raptors at ORACLE Arena on June 13, 2019 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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EUGENE, OREGON – FEBRUARY 27: Addison Patterson #22, Francis Okoro #33 and Anthony Mathis #32 of the Oregon Ducks reacts after a play during the second half against the Oregon State Beavers at Matthew Knight Arena on February 27, 2020 in Eugene, Oregon. Oregon won (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
EUGENE, OREGON – FEBRUARY 27: Addison Patterson #22, Francis Okoro #33 and Anthony Mathis #32 of the Oregon Ducks reacts after a play during the second half against the Oregon State Beavers at Matthew Knight Arena on February 27, 2020 in Eugene, Oregon. Oregon won (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

2. Francis Okoro

A name that reappears on the top transfers list is Francis Okoro. He announced his intentions to transfer about a week ago, and there are a ton of programs coming after him.

Coming out of Normal Community West High School, Okoro was looked at as one of the big-time recruits to land in the class of 2018. The combination of size and athletic ability was impressive. While a ton of teams were after the big man, Oregon was able to catch his eye enough to have him commit to the Ducks.

The two seasons with Oregon didn’t go the way many had thought they would go. Okoro averaged 3.1 points and 3.2 rebounds per game during his freshman season. He followed that up last season by averaging 3.3 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. Now Okoro is looking for a new home to finish his final two years.

I see rumblings of where people think Okoro might land, but there hasn’t been anything concrete the last couple of days. I think his recruitment is pretty open, but I also think he comes back toward the Midwest. Illinois is one of the teams who have contacted him about coming back home.

I would love it if the Illini could land Okoro the second time around. He would be a nice replacement for Kofi Cockburn whenever he departs the program for good. Okoro would have to sit one and play two. That means we could unleash the kid on the Big Ten for the 2021-22 season. That would be optimal for the Orange and Blue.

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