Why Illinois interest: Illinois is a special place to me; they recruited me very hard coming out of high school. A lot of people don't know I grew up in Chicago before moving to Minnesota. This place is home for me, actually if you think about it. I watched Illinois play a lot, so it's pretty easy for me to have a lot of interest in them, the way they play and style is perfect for me. Look at the way they use Kofi Cockburn and Coleman Hawkins, they get touches, they're able to play the game and be themselves. Coach (Brad) Underwood is a great coach and teacher. I need that to get to where I want to be as a player.

I had a lot of schools contact me from other conferences, but this is where I knew I wanted to be. They came after me right away as soon as I hit the portal, even though they didn't know I wanted to be here and play in the Big Ten. Illinois has now established itself as one of the best teams in college basketball, this is a great opportunity for me, I think. The staff is different, they all bring a different look, it's not the same things, I'm really looking forward to that.

Coaches responsible for recruiting: Assistant Tim Anderson.

Other offers include: Coming out of high school Dainja had offers from Florida, Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas State, Marquette, Minnesota, and West Virginia.

Kedric’s Assessment: This is exactly what Illinois needed, a big man with size at 6-foot-10. Dainja can play inside or out and do them equally as well. Early fair comparison for this four-star recruit, Purdue's Trevion Williams. Illinois does not have a player like Dainja on their roster. Listed at 270-pounds, he is strong enough to battle in Big Ten play and his shooting ability will remind some of current Illinois big man Coleman Hawkins. Why is this good for Illinois? He is going to be a nice addition to the future of the team because the Illini are bringing in one of the nation's best wings in Ty Rodgers and two outstanding guards in Jayden Epps and Sencire Harris.

Player Assessment: I want to win games, number one, and get better as a player, and feel comfortable coming to practice day in and day out to accomplish that. I am certain I can get that here at Illinois. Me sitting here and fans coming up to talk to me and the media show they love their basketball here. I think I can help Illinois win championships. I hate to lose. People will find that out quickly about me.

Please follow me on Twitter @KedPrince4.

PrinceKedric@yahoo.com