Illinois’ big men pose a “Dainja” to opposing frontcourts

As with the rest of the roster, Illinois came into this offseason with total uncertainty at the center position, losing all three of their bigs that saw time last season.

All-American and Illini legend Kofi Cockburn moved on to pursue his pro aspirations while Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk and Omar Payne hit the transfer portal and landed at South Carolina and Jacksonville respectively.

While the latter two fit as rotation pieces backing up Cockburn, it will be no small task to replace the 7-foot, 300 pound force that the Illini have had manning the middle the last three seasons.