Illinois Basketball: Abu Kigab Picks Oregon Over Illini

The Illinois basketball team has cast a wide net over many recruits in hopes of nabbing some talented players.

One of the players the Illini were after was forward Abu Kigab.

Kigab was down to Oregon and Illinois and finally made his decision today.

It was announced via Twitter that Kigab will be attending Oregon next season.  He chose the Ducks of the Illini.

This was somewhat of an expected decision because of roster need and location for Kigab.  He is a talented player but it would have been hard for the Illini to take him away from the west coast.

Even though Illinois lost out on Kigab, they still have some decent, young, players still left on the roster.

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Kigab was likely to play one of the forward positions for Illinois, depending on what type of lineup John Groce put out.

But, Illinois already has some nice players to play the minutes Kigab would have received.

DJ Williams is an up-and-coming player who needs to see more minutes so he can develop.  I loved how he progressed last season and I look for him to continue that progression in 2016.

Alongside Williams I look for newcomer Kipper Nichols to be a big impact player off the bench.  He is a great athlete that will create mismatches with his athleticism.

The other forward position is likely to have Leron Black start this season and into the future.  If he can stay on the court, Black will be a really good player.

I am excited to see what Black can do when he is healthy and has talent around him.  2016 should be a special year for this talented young player.

These three players are going to be huge in 2016.  I look for them all to step up and play well.

Kigab would have been a nice addition to the Illini, but with or without him, the Illini are set for the next few years at his position.

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