Top 10 greatest Illinois basketball transfer portal additions of all time

1. Kenny Battle

Illinois has had a couple of legendary in-state transfer portal additions that impacted the program. I already touched on Marcus Domask and what he did for the Illini. I think Kenny Battle’s presence is the biggest among all transfer portal additions, though.

Battle started his colligate career off with Northern Illinois. With the Huskies, he blossomed into a great player. In the two seasons Battle was with Northern Illinois, he averaged 19.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.4 steals, 2.2 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game.

After those two seasons, Battle transferred out and committed to Illinois. After sitting out a season due to transfer rules, Battle joined the Illini program and was sensational.

In 1987-88, Illinois won 23 games and advanced to the Round of 32. Battle managed to average 15.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.2 steals, and 1.7 assists per game.

It wasn’t until the 1988-89 season that Battle really elevated Illinois to great heights. In what was arguably Illinois’ greatest team ever, Battle averaged 16.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.5 steals, and 1.8 assists. The Illini went on to win 31 games that season and advanced to the Final 4.

Battle was a key part of some great teams, and he was a member of the Flyin’ Illini. He is a special player who will never be forgotten. I have Battle as the greatest transfer portal addition in the history of the Illinois basketball program.