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Brad Underwood comments on how Illinois plans to use incoming transfer Omar Payne
By Rolando Rosa
Published:
Illinois basketball will tip off next month and the rotation will have an incoming transfer in former Florida forward Omar Payne.
During B1G media day on Oct. 7, Illinois coach Brad Underwood spoke glowingly of Payne and believes he’ll be a strong complement to star center Kofi Cockburn.
Underwood on Omar Payne: “He’s a tremendous talent and athlete. He is elite in ball screens”. Says Payne can play next to Cockburn.
— The Sleepers 💤🏀 (@SleepersMedia) October 7, 2021
The 6-foot-10, 230-pound Payne averaged 3.8 points and 3.2 rebounds last season.
Illinois was eliminated in the Round of 32 last season. There was controversy over the regular season title, as Michigan was crowned champion based on winning percentage despite playing three fewer games than the Illini.
Illinois begins the season with a home matchup vs. Jackson State on Nov. 9 (8:30 p.m. EST/BTN). Illinois’ first B1G game will be a home contest vs. Rutgers on Dec. 3 (7 p.m. EST/ESPN2).
Rolando Rosa brings his experience covering college football to Saturday Tradition. Follow him on Twitter @RolandoRosa3.