Illinois Basketball: Abu Kigab to Decide Between Illini and Oregon
Recruiting news continues to be released, but this time, it is in regards to the Illinois basketball team.
The Illini are in the homestretch of finishing up recruiting for the class of 2017. They already have four players committed and another recruit will decide if he is coming to Champaign on Friday.
Forward Abu Kigab announced via Twitter today that he has big news coming this Friday. Adam Zagoria of Zagsblog elaborated on that news and said he will be deciding between Illinois and Oregon.
2017 F @Abu_Kigab23 will announce Friday between Oregon and Illinois, per source.
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) October 12, 2016
Kigab is a solid basketball player out of Napa, California. He stands at 6-foot-6 and weighs 215-pounds.
Right now, Scout has Kigab listed as a 4-star recruit who is the No. 24 small forward in the class of 2017 and the No. 2 small forward in the state of California.
Kigab’s decision between Illinois and Oregon is huge. Let’s see, roster wise, where Kigab would fit with each program.
Oregon doesn’t have a ton of depth at the small forward position in 2017. They will have Dillion Brooks, who will be a senior, and Keith Smith, who will be a sophomore.
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But, after those two there is playing time for Kigab. He could see some in year one and in year two he would most likely be a player who starts or sees serious playing time.
The case for Illinois is roughly the same as Oregon.
Heading into 2017, the Illini will have Kipper Nichols, who will be a sophomore, and DJ Williams, who will be a junior.
I could also see John Groce going small a lot with this upcoming team based his prior teams and the fact the Illini have so many guards coming in.
So, if that happens and Kigab moves over to the four-spot, then he would have to also compete with Leron Black for minutes as well.
But, the great thing about Kigab is his versatility. He can play multiple roles on the floor and that is what Groce would likely do with him. That is one of the reasons he should come to Champaign.
If Kigab commits to Illinois on Friday it would give a boost to the team in 2017 and into the future. He would add to what is already at top five recruiting class.
Kigab would build the depth of the Illinois basketball team and Groce would have options, which is something he hasn’t had in years. Hopefully, we can snag this talented player on Friday.
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