Illinois Basketball to Have Interest in Former Kentucky Big Man

Illinois Basketball to Have Interest in Former Kentucky Big Man

The exit of Coach John Calipari to Arkansas is a gift that may keep on giving for Illinois Basketball. Kentucky Center Ugonna Onyenso has decided to enter his name into the transfer portal as of Tuesday (4/23). He was fully intent on entering his name into the NBA draft and staying in. However, it appears that he decided otherwise, and wants to leave Kentucky. Of course, with the recent transition in Big Blue Nation, Brad Underwood stepped in and snagged Orlando Antigua from the Wildcats. Who, recruited the recent portal entry to Kentucky out of high school. With the addition of Orlando, new recruits will now be on the table for Illinois. Certainly, it won’t be a shock to see Illinois involved with Ugonna in the very near future. It appears Alabama, Louisville, and Florida are already involved according to Jamie Shae of On3.

NEWS: Kentucky center Ugonna Onyenso has entered the transfer portal, source told ESPN. He announced earlier this month he was entering the NBA draft.

— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) April 23, 2024

Uganna Onyenso

The Sophomore from Owerri, Nigeria stands in at 7 feet tall and 250lbs. Onyenso averaged 3.6 points, and 4.8 rebounds for the wildcats in 2023-24. Shooting 55% from the floor. His film certainly is impressive. Ugonna is a great rim running center, who still has some athleticism in his game. He will block a lot of shots on the defensive end, and make you pay for driving into the paint. The kind of big man that Illinois really struggled against in 2023-24. He could be an excellent addition to the roster following the exit of Dain Dianja to Memhis, and Coleman Hawkins to the NBA. A former recruit of Orlando Antigua, look for the Illini to become more involved.

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