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.