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According to CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein, Louisiana Tech transfer Merrill Holden has narrowed his list to Illinois, Iowa State, West Virginia, Cincinnati, UCF, and Jacksonville State. Holden had previously stated that he was interested in joining the Illini.
Louisiana Tech transfer Merrill Holden told @CBSSports his new list is Iowa St , Illinois, Cincinnati, Jacksonville St, WVU, and UCF.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) April 23, 2016
The 6-foot-8, 215-pound forward averaged 8.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks as a junior while shooting 51.6% from the field (71.4 FT%). Despite not being one of Louisiana Tech's top contributors from a production standpoint, Holden proved to be a quality piece off the bench while providing some front court depth at multiple positions. That's all he'd be asked to do at Illinois.
You can view Holden's complete 2015-16 game log right here. The Chicago native is graduating from Louisiana Tech this Spring, so he'll be eligible to play immediately next season.
Illinois is still awaiting a NCAA decision on Mike Thorne Jr.'s hardship waiver request. They should be receiving notice relatively soon, and in the event it's denied (which is the likely outcome) John Groce will have an open scholarship for Holden.