Mike Cagley, IlliniGuys
Omar Payne announced via Twitter he is officially an Illini basketball player. The 6'10" 230 pound sophomore has averaged 15 minutes, 3.8 points, 1.2 blocks, and 3.4 rebounds per game in his first two seasons as a Florida Gator.
Payne's twitter statement read, "I am excited for my next step at the University of Illinois."
Payne provides the Illini a viable center option if Kofi Cockburn is lost to the NBA this off season.
Additionally, with the possible loss of Giorgi Bezhanishvili as well, Payne would provide a strong backup center presence if Cockburn were to duplicate the game plan executed by Ayo Dosunmu when Ayo came back for his junior campaign to bolster his NBA draft status.
Illinois Fighting Illini Defeat Oakland 66-54 Post Game Analysis - #424
ListenMichigan State Spartans at the Illinois Fighting Illini Football Preview #423
ListenHeat Checks & Hail Marys - How Long Will B1G & SEC Play Nice, Illini Hoops Update & B1G Football Tiers
ListenIllinois Fighting Illini Defeat Southern Illinois Edwardsville 90-58 #422
ListenNov 8 Weekend - Hour 1 - S4Ep13
ListenNov 8 Weekend - Hour 2 - S4Ep13
ListenIllinois Fighting Illini Defeat the Eastern Illinois Panthers 112-67 #421
ListenHeat Checks & Hail Marys - Illini November Struggles, NIL Effects, B1G Officiating, Illini Men's BB Expectations & B1G FB Tiers
ListenMinnesota Golden Gophers Defeat the Illinois Fighting Illini 25-17 – Post Game Analysis #420
ListenMinnesota Golden Gophers Defeat the Illinois Fighting Illini 25-17 – Instant Take #419
ListenNov 1 Weekend - Hour 2 - S4Ep12
ListenNov 1 Weekend - Hour 1 - S4Ep12
ListenMinnesota Golden Gophers at the Illinois Fighting Illini Football Preview #418
ListenHeat Checks & Hail Marys - Is Oregon an Illini Turning Point, Illini Exhibition Reaction & B1G Football Tiers
ListenIllinois Fighting Illini Basketball Exhibition Loss vs Ole Miss #417
Listen