First Illinois basketball player enters the transfer portal

And the transfer portal news most Illinois basketball fans were waiting for dropped on Monday.

It was a successful season for the Illini, as we won 29 games, the Big Ten Tournament, and advanced to the Elite 8. Every member of the program played a big part in the success this past season.

Dain Dainja was a key player in Illinois’ frontcourt. He was someone we could lean on when we needed a more traditional big man in the paint. Well, now his time is done in Champaign.

On Monday, Dainja took to social media to announce that he was entering the transfer portal. The Dancing Bear is now going to be finding a new home.

The former four-star recruit started his collegiate career with Baylor. He spent one season with the Bears and then transferred to Illinois. In 2022-23, Dainja averaged 9.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.

As a junior this past season, Dainja saw his minutes cut in half. He only played 10.7 minutes per game and averaged 6.1 points and 3.6 rebounds per contest. So, a transfer made complete sense, especially with what is coming into the program at his position.

Illinois basketball losing Dain Dainja in the transfer portal is sad but expected

Illinois fans will miss Dainja. I loved his athletic ability for his size. He was fun to watch, and he brought great depth to the No. 5 spot on the court.

This transfer makes complete sense, though. Just in playing time alone, I completely understand a transfer. Dainja went from 20.6 minutes per game to 10.7 minutes per game in the last two seasons. For his senior year, he wants to start.

Illinois also has a lot of talent coming in that will play in the frontcourt. There needs to be room for Amani Hansberry, as he has solid size and will either play the No. 4 or No. 5 spot on the court.

On top of Hansberry likely starting next season, Illinois has consensus top-40 recruit Morez Johnson Jr. entering the program from the class of 2024. Morez is someone who plays the more traditional big-man role, and Brad Underwood is likely going to start him. That leaves no room for Dainja to start.

Dainja will always be remembered in Champaign. He was fun to watch in the two seasons he was here, and I wish him nothing but the best moving forward.