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Illinois Basketball: 3 reasons Justin Smith would be perfect fit for Illini

By Rees Woodcock

BLOOMINGTON, IN - FEBRUARY 23: Justin Smith #3 of the Indiana Hoosiers brings the ball up court during the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Assembly Hall on February 23, 2020 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, IN - FEBRUARY 23: Justin Smith #3 of the Indiana Hoosiers brings the ball up court during the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Assembly Hall on February 23, 2020 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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PISCATAWAY, NJ – JANUARY 15: Paul Mulcahy #4 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights is guarded by Justin Smith #3 of the Indiana Hoosiers at Rutgers Athletic Center on January 15, 2020 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Benjamin Solomon/Getty Images) /

This might not go over well with some Illinois basketball fans, but what would you say about going after Justin Smith?

Let me elaborate.

Smith is a 6-foot-7, 230-pound power forward who, on Friday, decided to announce his intentions to graduate from Indiana University and become a graduate transfer. He wants to find a new home for his final year of eligibility.

When I first saw this news, my ears perked up. I not only remember this kid from the multiple games he has played against the Illini, but I also remember him because of his recruitment.

Illinois pursued Smith in the class of 2017. But this was during the previous coaching regime. John Groce had continued criticism for his coaching and was on the hottest of hot seats. He wasn’t a great recruiter by any means as well. With all of that going on, Smith decided to head elsewhere.

On September 26, 2016, Smith committed to the Hoosiers. He would later sign with Indiana. But, since then, Indiana has had a coaching change as well. Archie Miller is now the head man in Bloomington. This has sparked a number of transfers out of the program over the last couple of years.

Now that Smith is back on the market for a year, would Illinois be a good option for the kid trying to make the league?

Here are three reasons why Justin Smith would be a perfect fit for the Illini.

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