Mike Thorne Spurns Kansas and Kentucky, Transfers to Illinois

The spring recruiting season often makes stars out of the most unlikely players. Former Charlotte big man Mike Thorne is just the latest example. Thorne become a hot commodity after graduating and announcing that he would seek a transfer to play his final year of college basketball.

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The immediate eligibility of the 6’11, 270-pound big man turned him into a star of the late recruiting season. The likes of Kentucky and Kansas sought to add him to their rosters for much needed frontcourt depth. However, in the end, Thorne aligned himself with Jim Groce and the Illinois Fighting Illini.

Thorne averaged just over 10 points and 7 boards for the 49ers this year. Though there wasn’t much potential for him to break out as a game-changer, he was a solid big man that was ready to contribute. Much of the guesswork that goes along with offering a scholarship to a teenager didn’t apply to Thorne.

Thorne’s commitment to Illinois signifies the importance of him being able to play a significant role on his next team. While both Kentucky and Kansas were interested, only the Illini were able to promise Thorne the key role that he desired. Thorne fits in perfectly as a replacement at the 5-spot for departed center Nnanna Egwu.

Thorne will join an Illinois roster that loses leading scorer Rayvonte Rice and others, but will return a solid core group led by Kendrick Nunn and Jaylon Tate. Point guard Tracy Abrams will also return to the lineup after sitting out this past season due to an ACL injury.

Losing out on Thorne is just the latest failure for Kentucky during this recruiting season. The Wildcats have an excellent class, but do not have the volume of prospects needed to reload a roster that lost seven underclassmen to the NBA Draft. With Thorne off the board and a recent commitment to UNLV from UK target Stephen Zimmerman still smarting, all attention must turn to Cheick Diallo as a must have prospect for John Calipari.

The Kansas Jayhawks may not have been as desperate for Thorne’s services. Sources have indicated that, at the moment, KU leads the race for the signature of the skyrocketing Diallo. While a commitment is far from certain, he would definitely make Kansas fans forget about Thorne very quickly. If Diallo is lured elsewhere (Kentucky, St. John’s, or Iowa State), there is still more depth in the Jayhawk frontcourt than in most places around the country.

We will not fully know the impact of Thorne’s decision until next year on Selection Sunday. Kansas and Kentucky will hear their names called even without the services of Thorne, but it will be interesting to see if his addition turns the Illini into a tournament team.

Next: Where are the Top Unsigned Prospects Going? (Part 2)

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