Why he’s a fit at Illinois
A gaping hole opens in the depth chart at center with Mike Thorne Jr. and Maverick Morgan both gone by 2017. The Illini will need a scoring option down low, and the 6-foot-10, 235-pound Tilmon has the burgeoning game to be that option.
2016 NBA draft comparison
Illinois hasn’t had a big man quite like Tilmon before. He’s part Diamond Stone offensively (good in pick-and-rolls, can post and a dump-off target for perimeter players), but with a softer touch. He’s also a better jumper who adds a touch more athleticism and length.