There is a clear urgency with the search for some size after the 2025-26 campaign.
Entering this upcoming season, the Illini are set. We have Tomislav and Zvonimir Ivisic, both of whom can play in the paint or float out on the perimeter. David Mirkovic should be able to throw his body around in the paint, too.
After this season, there is some uncertainty. You can look at the Ivisic’s and think they are coming back next season, but there is a chance they don’t. It could be via the NBA or the transfer portal. Who knows?
Brad Underwood wants more big man depth, though. He has made that clear by putting his time resources into recruiting, and how Illinois has been offering big men scholarships quite often as of late.
Aliou Dioum is one of the latest. This past Friday, Dioum took to social media to announce that he had received a scholarship offer from the Illini.
Dioum is a 6-foot-10, 200-pound center from Bella Vista Prep out in Arizona. He is rated as a four-star recruit and ranked as the No. 140 player in the class of 2026. Dioum is also the No. 20 center in the country and the No. 10 player coming out of Arizona.
#Alkhamdulillah Blessed to receive an offer from the university of ILLINOIS AGTG!! pic.twitter.com/TIINFODLHA
— Aliou Dioum (@AliouDioum05) July 18, 2025
The offers for Dioum are starting to build up. In addition to the Illini, he has roughly six other offers, all from power-four programs.
Aliou Dioum could play multiple roles on the court for the Illinois basketball program
Illinois is always in the market for versatile players. Underwood loves it when he can slot a player at multiple positions. I think that is what he can do with Dioum.
Dioum can play the No. 5 spot with his size. At 6-foot-10, he has the ability to go up and get rebounds and put them back. I also believe the No. 4 spot would actually be a better fit, though.
I love the way Dioum moves at his size. He can dribble well, and he has clearly worked on his mid-range game. He would be a great one-two punch with another big man.
Illinois getting in this recruitment is a good move. I think there is a lot of potential growth with Dioum as well.