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Top 2008 In-State Recruits
by Pat Benninger
April 28, 2008
Every year there are a great deal of players that choose to complete their basketball careers at colleges outside of the state of Illinois. However, there is always a group of players who like to stay close to home and compete for the schools in the Land of Lincoln. Below is a list of the top ten recruits signed with in-state colleges.
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Notes: He will have to wait
his turn for a starting position as the Saluki’s return four year starter-Bryan
Mullins but Dillard will have an instant impact as his backup. Kevin gives SIU a versatile point guard that
makes plays for his teammates and can score the ball when needed. He brings a different element than Mullins as
he is more offensive than defensive oriented. |
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Notes: Storm may be the most
versatile player on the Huskies’ roster.
He turned down Big Ten offers to play for Coach Patton and is poised to
start from day one. His size and
shooting ability will cause mismatch problems for defenders in the MAC…he
picked a great fit! |
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Notes: Robinson turned down
scholarship offers from Big Ten, Big XII, and SEC programs. He’s long, athletic, and versatile, three
traits that really apply to Tim Jankovich’s prototypical forwards. Look for Jeremy to be an instant impact for
the Redbirds, getting quality minutes off the bench or possibly starting. |
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Notes: The Fighting Illini
have a great core of guards in the backcourt but will struggle to find
go-to-guys on the block. Simpson has a
chance to come in right away and earn a starting position. He’s very athletic and is hard to stop on
either end of the floor when he’s playing aggressive and active. If Weber can keep Stan’s fire lit, you may be
looking at a future star in the Big Ten…the potential is definitely there! |
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Notes: Shurna combines good size, good athleticism, and a great skillset. The lean 6-8'er is great for the Princeton style as he can score around the rim and can also knock down the outside shot. He's got a strong work ethic and will be a great player to be developed throughout his years under Bill Carmody. |
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Notes: There are questions
about Hare’s eligibility but if he passes the ACT, he will have a chance to be
an impact player. He fits the mold of
the typical Saluki player, an aggressive, hard-nosed, defensive-minded
kid. He’s strong and will have to
compete for minutes as Chris Lowery’s team is loaded on the wing but he has the
mind-set and ability to produce right away. |
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Notes: I don’t think anybody
could argue that fact that Smith will be one of the MVC’s best perimeter
defenders from the day he steps foot in Normal, Illinois. He is aggressive and is well schooled as a
Simeon prodigy. The Redbirds will be
searching for a point guard to replace graduate Boo Richardson and Kenyon has all the abilities to earn his spot in
the lineup. |
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Notes: Yelovich won’t find
trouble finding minutes for the Cougars as he will be their top forward as of
right now. He’s got good versatility,
athleticism, and skills combined with great size for an incoming freshman. Look for him to see quality minutes his first
year as a potential starter. |
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Notes: When discussing Fruendt, one thing is safe to say...the kid's a winner. From Batavia to Illinois Wolves, Nick made sure his team won and that is the type of will that Northwestern needs. Nick's a smooth, skilled wing that knocks down shots and does everything it takes to ensure his team's victory. He is one player that truly lives the "team over individual" philosophy. |
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Notes: Garriott already has
a leg up as he already has chemistry with the Cougars’ premier player Brandon
Dunson, due to the fact they were high school teammates. His ball handling, shooting, and athleticism
will inject him into the mix right away.
If he adds strength, he has a chance to be their lead point guard though
he has the skills to fill in on the wing as well. |
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5. John Shurna
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