Illini add Omar Payne to the Front Line

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.

Courtesy SI.com

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.

 

Podcasts

Illini Upset by Relentless Badgers 27-10 - #528

Listen

Fighting Illini Crush Long Island 98-58 - #527

Listen

Illini BB Loss to Bama, FB on to Wisconsin & Illini Legend Deon Thomas S5Ep15

Listen

#8 Illini Fall to #11 Alabama - #526

Listen

Illini Football Preview - Wisconsin #525

Listen

Fighting Illini Smother Maryland 24-6 #524

Listen

Fighting Illini Paste Colgate 84-65 #523

Listen

IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular - Illini BB Defeat Texas Tech, FB Over Rutgers & Illini Legend Craig Swoope's Battle - S5Ep14 - 11.14.25

Listen

I on the Illini LIVE - Illini Defeat Texas Tech 81-77 Thriller #522

Listen

Illini Football Preview - Maryland #521

Listen

IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular – Illini FB, BB, Ked Prince & Illini Women's BB's CeCe Parchment – S5Ep13 – 11.7.25

Listen

Illini Crush Jackson State 113-55 #520

Listen

Illini Pound Rutgers for 35-13 Victory - #519

Listen

IlliniGuys Pregame LIVE & Halftime LIVE Sampler - Rutgers at Illini #518

Listen

IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular – FB vs Rutgers, BB Opener Coming, Women's BB Exhibition & Soccer Wins in B1G – S5Ep12 – 10.31.25

Listen