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.
12.12.25 - Illini BB Over Vols, FB Commit Michael Clayton, Jr & Michigan Fiasco
Listen
537 - Illini Defeat Ohio State 88-80 on the Road
Listen
536 - Illini Crush Tennessee 75-62 with Huge 2nd Half
Listen
12.5.25 - #21 Illini FB Recruiting Class & Illini Men's BB vs Tenn
Listen
535 Illini FB 2025 Signing Day Special - Insider View
Listen
534 Illini FB 2025 Signing Day Special - Scouting View
Listen
533 Illini FB 2025 Signing Day Special - Reporter View
Listen
532 - Illini Win 8th Game this Season over Northwestern
Listen
Illini Frustration in the Big Apple #531
Listen
Illini FB vs Northwestern for Season Finale, Illini BB vs UConn & Game Predictions - S5Ep16 - 11.28.25 - Seg 1
Listen
Illini Cruise to Victory Over UTRGV 87-73 #530
Listen
Illini Football Preview - Northwestern #529
Listen
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
Subscriber Testimonials:
Not a member? Join our mailing list:
