It was announced that Dain Dainja would be transferring to Illinois in December of 2021, and people in Champaign are very excited for what he brings to the table. Obviously Brad Underwood is, but so is assistant coach Geoff Alexander per Derek Piper of 247Sports.

Dainja came to Illinois after playing in just 3 games for Baylor while in Waco. He was a former 4-star recruit out of Minneapolis, Minnesota per the 247Sports Composite. Dainja is bringing in a lot of hype to Champaign, and the coaching staff is ready to get to work with him.

Here’s what Alexander said makes Dainja stand out to him:

“His work ethic, first and foremost,” Alexander told Illini Inquirer on Tuesday at the Fighting Illini Tailgate Tour in Rockford. “That dude works like a fiend — almost like an Ayo Dosunmu with his schedule in that it’s regimented. Three times a day you know where he’s at and what he’s doing. You see that in his body. He and Fletch have spent countless days and hours together. His body’s getting right. He’s looking more athletic. And his skill set is incredible.”