CHAMPAIGN — Illinois was afforded just small glimpses into what kind of difference Mike Thorne Jr. could make on the court last season.
The 6-foot-11 graduate transfer posted a double-double in his first game with the Illini — his 25 points and 14 rebounds one of the few bright spots in the season-opening loss to North Florida.
Thorne was just as good in the win against North Dakota State, had another double-double against Chattanooga and — for one half — couldn’t be stopped by Iowa State.
Then came the awkward fall against the Cyclones. The torn meniscus in his left knee.