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Okay, nobody said every player on House of ‘Paign needed to be a former Illini.
That’s definitely true now, with two new additions to the team’s The Basketball Tournament roster on Monday.
The first addition was Kyle Vinales, who has played with both Michael Finke and Malcolm Hill — both notable on HoP — overseas. The soon-to-be 28-year-old most recently played for Kalev/Cramo in the Latvian-Estonian League.
Roster Announcement #8️⃣
— House of ‘Paign (@IlliniTBT) June 8, 2020
Thrilled to add @KVinales1 to the team! Kyle was teammates with both @Finke_Michael (Estonia) and @Malcolmillini21 (VTB United League All-Star Game). A dynamic player who has had tremendous success in Europe. pic.twitter.com/bAJUg0lVsl
The 6-foot-2 guard played for Central Connecticut from 2011-15, and scored 21.6 points per game during his sophomore season.
Illinois’ second addition was a bit more notable Monday.
Roster Announcement #9️⃣
— House of ‘Paign (@IlliniTBT) June 8, 2020
Huge addition to the team as Cleveland Cavaliers two-way player @MoonSwag13 represents his home-state! The Wauconda, IL native brings grit, lockdown defense, incredible playmaking ability, and both NBA & Final 4 experience to the table. pic.twitter.com/Zoo2ty9Y3h
Matt Mooney becomes the player on the roster who has the most recent experience in the NBA, playing with the Cleveland Cavaliers as a two-way player before the coronavirus pandemic hit.
A native of Wauconda, Mooney played his high school ball Notre Dame Prep in Niles, and started for Texas Tech’s national runners-up team back in 2019.
Remember, this team already has guys like Hill, Finke, Leron Black, Andres Feliz, and others, so this team is going to be very good.
We’re assuming they’re in the smaller TBT field amid the pandemic, so let’s keep this train rolling.