Illinois junior center Brandon Lieb is moving on.
The 2020 Deerfield graduate will enter the transfer portal, he announced via his Twitter page Thursday morning and confirmed during a phone interview in the afternoon.
“This was definitely not an easy decision,” Lieb said while walking to an accounting class.
Lieb played three seasons for Illinois under coach Brad Underwood. Lieb appeared in just 31 of 97 games, however, averaging 0.9 points and 1.0 rebounds in 3.1 minutes. His highest-volume output came in a game at Minnesota on Jan. 16, when he played 13 minutes and scored four points.
So it’s no surprise that Lieb is aiming for more minutes in his next opportunity.
“The biggest motivating factor for me is that I want to play more,” he said. “I’m ready to take that next step and explore a new fit.”
Within five hours of the announcement, Lieb said 10 schools had already reached out to him. He has two years of eligibility remaining.
“It’s encouraging for me to know that I’m wanted by so many great schools,” he said. “I just have to keep an even head and see what comes my way.
“I’m considering maybe going down a level so that I can have a bigger role in a different kind of league. I don’t have any specific conferences or schools in mind yet. I’m exploring everything right now.”
Illinois’ season ended two weeks ago with a 73-63 loss to Arkansas in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Fighting Illini (20-13, 11-9) finished seventh in the Big Ten.
“My teammates understand and only want the best for me,” Lieb said. “They know that I’m making the right decision for myself, and it’s the same with the coaches. They were very encouraging. They would have loved to have me back, but this is the best decision for me.”
Lieb and his older brother, Jack, both played for Deerfield boys basketball coach Dan McKendrick, who called Brandon Lieb a “humble, good teammate and a really hard worker.”
McKendrick said he isn’t surprised Lieb entered the transfer portal.
“I know it’s hard for him,” McKendrick said. “He loves it there. But he’s looking for an opportunity for consistent playing time, and he’s leaving Illinois in good graces.
“I think he fits in whatever style you want to play. He can hit threes too. In high school, he hit a lot of threes, so he can pick and pop, as well.”
As Lieb explores his options, he’s honing that shooting — and his strength — to ensure he can conquer his next conference.
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“In the next few months, I’m going to keep developing my shooting skills,” he said. “I can stretch the floor. If I’m in the right situation, they can utilize me for what my skills are.”
The towering Lieb entered Illinois at 185 pounds and currently weighs 225. He has room to grow and maintains that he will before his senior season.
Lieb, a forward-looking finance major, is also locked in on his academic progress and will factor his education into any decisions about his future.
“I want to make sure I wind up somewhere where I can graduate and start work on a master’s to do something that I’ll be doing in 30 years,” he said. “The game is only as long as your body allows it to play.”
Lieb is thinking strategically, reflecting on his last three years and courting all takers.
“There’s definitely uncertainty, but there’s no fear,” he said. “It’s more excitement. I’m eager to see where I’m really wanted. I know I’ll have a good situation.”
Sam Brief is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.
