Illinois forward Dain Dainja enters NCAA transfer portal

On3 has learned that Illinois big man Dain Dainja has entered the transfer portal after two seasons at Illinois following a freshman year at Baylor.

Dainja’s decision comes after a junior year with the Illini where his role fell off a bit compared to his first and sophomore season in Champaign. Dainja’s averages dropped across the board as he slipped from 20 minutes a night in 2023 to just 10 in a more reserve role this season.

Dainja averaged 6.1 points and 3.6 rebounds in those 10+ minutes per night this season after putting up 9.5 and 5.5 respectively in the previous year, where he also started 21 games compared to just three out of 38 this season.

As a player, Dainja is a bulldog in the post who could pass as a DJ Burns type from a distance. Like Burns, Dainja’s combination of size (6’9, 270 pounds) and soft touch make him a productive player in the post, evidenced by field goal percentages in the 60s during each of his years at Illinois.

Now, the big fella will explore his options leading into his senior year.

Another Illinois forward hints at departure

The Fighting Illini were the latest victim of the UConn warpath, falling 77-52 in blowout fashion in Saturday’s Elite 8 matchup. Shortly after the loss, longtime Illinois forward Coleman Hawkins let fans know that game was his likely his last with the program.

“I think this was my last ride at Illinois,” Hawkins said.

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Hawkins was only two of 10 from the field for the game, connecting on just one of his seven three-point attempts. He finished with just five points and four rebounds. Hawkins was one of the most critical pieces of the Illinois roster all season long, averaging 12.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. One of the more complete players in the country, he also averaged 1.5 steals per game and 1.1 blocks per game, while ranking second on the team in three-point percentage (37.9%).

Hawkins brought home second team All-Big Ten honors from the Associated Press in his senior year. However, he does one more year of eligibility he can use if he wants to. But if he does, it appears Hawkins will not be ending up back in Champaign.