Illinois basketball fans, players, and coaches send Dain Dainja off with positivity

Dain Dainja is departing the Illinois basketball program, and this is a sad one for most fans.

The Illini had Dainja in the fold for two seasons, and he was a fun player to watch. He took the court and played so fun and free. His nimbleness for a 6-foot-9, 270-pound big man was something to marvel at. He was a true joy to watch in the two seasons he was with Illinois.

In his first season with the program, Dainja averaged 9.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in the 20.6 minutes per game he was receiving. Those numbers dropped to 6.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks per game in 2023-24. The main reason for the numbers dropping was that he only received 10.7 minutes per contest in year two.

I would imagine the minutes drop-off and the likely future of being a backup big man in 2024-25 were the reasons for his departure. This is an understandable move considering he only has so many years in college, and he probably wants to display his talents for potential play at the next level.

Dainja entering the transfer portal doesn’t mean he is a bad person or he is betraying the Illini. It is all part of the game now. Players have the flexibility to make life decisions, and that is what Dainja did on Monday. Illinois fans shouldn’t take this move personally. In fact, I wish the kid nothing but the best. He has a bright future, and I just hope we don’t have to play him next season.

Illinois players had the right attitude toward the situation as well. Dainja always seemed like a great person and teammate, and the reaction on social media from his Illini teammates showed this to be a fact.

Illinois basketball fans, current and former players, and coaches react to Dain Dainja entering the transfer portal