Illinois basketball announced that redshirt freshman forward Kipper Nichols will miss the start of the 2016 season in order to finish the fall academic semester. Nichols was a top recruit that actually joined the team last spring to practice but has not played yet.

Following the fall semester, which is anticipated to begin Dec. 17 with the BYU game, he will be eligible to join and play with the team full time.

Illinois will play its first exhibition game at the end of October.

Nichols looks to join a strong group that includes Jaylon Tate, Te’Jon Lucas, Malcolm Hill and Jalen Coleman-Lands.

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@TPolc