Illinois Basketball: Illini targeting transfer portal big man from Nevada

Illinois basketball is by no means finished looking around the transfer market.

So far this offseason, the Illini have been in contact with various players in the transfer portal. Illinois only has a scholarship or two remaining, but a clear focus for the program should be at the No. 5 spot. I believe Kofi Cockburn is going to be leaving, and that puts a big question mark for the Illini at center.

On Thursday, Illinois added another name to the transfer players they have contacted this offseason. It was being reported by multiple outlets that the Illini have been in contact with transfer, Warren Washington.

Warren Washington would give Illinois basketball more options at center.

Washington is a 7-foot, 215-pound big man who wasn’t the most highly touted recruit coming out of Mission Hills High School in 2018. He was only a three-star recruit who was ranked as the No. 359 player in the country.

Oregon State was the landing spot for Washington. He spent one season with the Beavers and put up 1.3 points and 1.4 rebounds in just 7.8 minutes per night. After his freshman campaign, Washington transferred out and committed to the Nevada Wolfpack.

After sitting out a season due to the transfer rules back then, Washington suited up for the 2020-21 campaign and blew away expectations. He upped his numbers to 10.0 points and 5.9 rebounds per game in his first season. This past season, he would increase his numbers again to 10.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game.

I like that Illinois is pursuing Washington in the transfer market. Do I think he is the answer to our center problems? Probably not but this kid is long and athletic. That is something Brad Underwood loves to have on the basketball court.

It is always good to have irons in the fire in case some of your first few options don’t come through. Washington is a good basketball player and will help any team he chooses.