Top 10 greatest Illinois basketball transfer portal additions of all time

8. Rayvonte Rice

Illinois received a huge transfer portal addition back in 2012. This was the era of transfers having to sit out a year, so Illini fans had to wait for the impact of Rayvonte Rice.

Rice began playing college basketball at Drake. He was sensational with the Bulldogs, averaging 15.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game in two seasons.

After his two-year stint with Drake, Rice decided to take his talents to higher ranks. He entered the transfer portal and committed to Illinois.

The main issue for Rice was this was the start of the mediocre run for Illinois basketball. We came off a Round of 32 appearance, and it was all downhill from there.

In the two seasons Rice was with the program, Illinois failed to make the NCAA tournament. He put up good numbers, though. Rice averaged 15.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.5 assists per game as a junior.

Rice then came back as a senior and upped his game. He put up 16.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.8 steals per game in his final season.

Again, this is one of the instances if Rice makes the postseason and goes on a run, he is much higher on this list. Postseason success or lack thereof, really hurt Rice’s standing. He is still No. 8 all-time in transfer portal additions, though.