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Illinois Basketball: Illini reportedly in the mix for key transfer portal big man

By Collin Allen

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 18: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts against the Chattanooga Mocs during the second half in the first round game of the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 18, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 18: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts against the Chattanooga Mocs during the second half in the first round game of the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 18, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /
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One of the biggest names in the transfer portal could be filling the void in the paint left by former Illinois basketball big man Kofi Cockburn.

Former Northwestern Wildcats star Pete Nance entered the transfer portal on April 29 with his main focus being the NBA draft but is still keeping his options open. Nance is the son of former NBA three-time All-Star Larry Nance and the brother of current New Orleans Pelicans forward Larry Nance Jr.

If Nance ultimately decides to return to college for another season, the Illini are reportedly a team of interest, given that the former Wildcat has a “strong connection” with Illinois assistant coach Tim Anderson, who worked out Nance’s brother.

Nance led Northwestern with team-highs of 14.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks last season. The big man shot nearly 50% from the floor and an exceptional 45.2% from three-point range. The senior big man is ranked No. 92 on ESPN’s Top 100 college basketball players list.

Where would Pete Nance fit on the current Illinois basketball roster?

Nance would likely crack the starting lineup for the 2022-23 season opener. The senior would compete with current Illini bigs Coleman Hawkins and  Dain Dainja for the starting No. 4 and No. 5 spots.  Four-star signee Ty Rodgers could also make a case for one of the spots as well.

Given their versatility – thanks to their length and athleticism as well as their experience – I see Hawkins and Nance making the cut. Therefore, the starting lineup would look something like this:

  1. Skyy Clark, Freshman

  2. R.J. Melendez, Sophomore

  3. Terrence Shannon Jr., Senior

  4. Coleman Hawkins, Junior

  5. Pete Nance, Senior

Not only would this be a strong group consisting of four former four-star recruits, but the bench would be deep as well. Luke Goode and Dainja, along with freshmen Sencire Harris, Jayden Epps, and Rodgers, are all capable of coming in and providing an immediate spark off the bench.

A commitment from Nance could complete a roster that can compete with any team in the nation, making the Illini true national championship contenders.

Nance has until the June 1 NBA Draft withdrawal deadline to make a final decision.

Next. Ty Rodgers eyed as one of the best by USA Basketball. dark

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