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Illinois basketball named finalist in race for one of nation’s best transfers
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Illinois is reportedly a finalist for Marquette transfer forward Dawson Garcia.
That’s according to college basketball insider Jon Rothstein, who reports that Garcia is also weighing Arizona, North Carolina and a possible return to Marquette.
Marquette transfer Dawson Garcia has an official list of North Carolina, Illinois, and Arizona, per his father. Could also go back to Marquette. Garcia is also an early entrant to the NBA Draft.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) July 4, 2021
Garcia was very effective as a freshman last season, averaging 13 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. Standing at 6-foot-11, Garcia can also shoot it from range — 35.6 percent from 3-point territory last season.
With Kofi Cockburn likely to depart for the NBA Draft or the transfer portal, there’s a big opening in Illinois’ front court next season.
Illinois also lost Ayo Dosunmu (NBA Draft) and Adam Miller (transfer) amongst other contributors from last season’s No. 1-seeded team. However, Brad Underwood’s team has added a trio of 4-star prospects and a pair of Power 5 transfers.
Andre Curbelo is expected to take a big step forward as well next season after standing out as a true freshman. He averaged 9.1 points and 4.1 assists per game last season.
Garcia’s deadline to withdraw from the NBA Draft is July 7.
Spenser is the news manager at Saturday Road and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.