Illinois Basketball: Big man with 7-foot-6 wingspan receives Illini offer
The search for another big man continues as the Illinois basketball team has offered a 7-footer from Arizona.
The post-Kofi Cockburn era is uncertain when it comes to the No. 5 spot for the Illini. I believe we will have Omar Payne for a year as a transition piece, but there isnโt depth at center. That is why you will find Brad Underwood and his coaching staff offering a scholarship to players like Adrame Diongue.
Diongue is a 7-foot, 185-pound center from Compass Prep and resides in Chandler, Arizona. He is rated as a three-star recruit and ranked as the No. 27 center in the class of 2022. He is also the No. 17 player coming out of Arizona.
Illinois isnโt the only program that sees potential in Diongue, though. He has roughly five other scholarship offers which include teams like Washington, Mississippi State, and Washington State. With the size Diongue brings to the table, it is always a good idea to throw out a feeler to see if he is interested.
What would Diongue bring to the Illinois basketball program?
Obviously, the first thing that stands out is his 7-foot size. He is a big body who could develop into a solid No. 5 for the Illini. The framework is already there.
I think a lot of people could draw comparisons to Bol Bol but just a little bit shorter. Diongue can do everything on the basketball court. His height and length enable him to grab rebounds well, but he is way more than just a long player.
Diongue has decent handles for a 7-foot big man. He can post up well and has a nice touch from 10 feet away from the basket. He is a very well-rounded player who just needs some fine-tuning from a great coaching staff like Illinois.
I also believe the length that Diongue possesses will help him on the defensive end. I could see his physical size of 185-pounds being pushed around, but his wingspan of 7-foot-6 will be a nightmare to opposing teams. He is going to have so many blocks at the college level.
Illinois needs a big man for the future, and Diongue could fill that void. He is a skilled big man who could develop into a great option for the Illini. I love this offer.