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Here you will find the most comprehensive coverage of Illinois prep basketball that you will come across anywhere.   

DePaul Continues To Utilize LaLumiere Pipeline To Land Key Transfer
Ever since being brought on board at DePaul, new assistant coach Shane Heirman has been putting in significant work. Not only that, but he has produced immediate results.  That is because Heirman has helped head coach Dave Leitao secure his second commitment from a former LaLumiere product, with the latest coming in the form of a key transfer from a Big Ten school.  Illinois Prep Bulls-eye expounds further on the Blue Demons' latest pledge in this story.  

Illini Recruiting Insider With Ryan Evan
Of the top five prospects in Illinois from the 2018 class as ranked by Illinois Prep Bulls-eye, the University of Illinois is currently in strong recruiting position with four of them. In our latest edition of Illini Recruiting Insider, not only does Ryan Evan take a closer look at their recruitments, but he also analyzes their games and how they could potentially fit into Brad Underwood's system.

Class Of 2020 Player Watch: Demarius Splunge
The 2020 Class in Illinois is filled with considerable talent.  With that said, a number of "under the radar" prospects continue to emerge.  One who undoubtedly fits the bill in that regard is Clark High School's Demarius Splunge, who caught our eye with a notable performance at a recent university team camp.  Illinois Prep Bulls-eye provides a closer look at everything Splunge brings to the table in this Player Watch story.

University Of Illinois Lands Fourth 2017 Commitment From Underrated Big Man
Think the addition of Ronald "Chin" Coleman as an assistant coach at the University Of Illinois has provided immediate impact for their men's basketball program?  Well, since coming to Champaign, Coleman has not only made sure the Illini are involved with all of the top Chicago area prospects in the 2018 class and beyond, but he was also the driving force in enabling head coach Brad Underwood to secure a commitment in the 2017 class from an unheralded big man out of Michigan.  Illinois Prep Bulls-eye has all of the specifics in this story.

Illini Recruiting Insider With Ryan Evan
In this month's edition of our Illini Recruiting Insider, our correspondent Ryan Evan has an exclusive on rapidly emerging class of 2018 big man George Conditt.  Ryan breaks down Conditt's game and analyzes his first high major scholarship offer which has come courtesy of the Illini.  The complete skinny can be found by clicking on the above link.

Northern Illinois University Lands Commitment From 2017 JUCO All-American
Northern Illinois University head coach Mark Montgomery and his staff hit the JUCO ranks hard in their pursuit of a high-scoring shooting guard they could add to their 2017 recruiting class.  And their hard-working efforts have paid off big time, as the Huskies secured a commitment from an All-American back court performer from a local JUCO powerhouse.  Illinois Prep Bulls-eye breaks things down further in this story.

15th Annual Riverside-Brookfield Summer Shootout Preview
June is just around the corner and that means that the premier high school basketball team shootout in Illinois is fast approaching.  For those who don't know, we are talking about the Riverside-Brookfield Summer Shootout and the 15th rendition once again looks to be loaded with top Chicago area high school teams and individual talent.  Illinois Prep Bulls-eye briefs everyone on what to expect in this sneak preview which can be found by clicking on the above link.

Illini Recruiting Insider With Ryan Evan
Illinois Prep Bulls-eye proudly introduces a new monthy feature: Illini Recruiting Insider with Ryan Evan, who will be providing insight and analysis with respect to Illini men's basketball recruiting that we are sure will be of interest to all of our followers (especially Illini fans!).  In this month's edition, Ryan focuses on breaking down the three high school recruits who currently comprise the Illini's 2017 recruiting class.

DePaul Makes Huge Recruiting Statement With Commitment From Big Time Point Guard
When DePaul decided to shake up its coaching staff recently, it was inevitable that it signified big things on the horizon for them recuriting-wise.  But little did folks know that it would result in success this quickly.  Sure enough, that is what has transpired.  That is because after making news by hiring a highly succccessful coach from the prep school ranks as an assistant, one of the top point guards in the country who hails from the same prep school has decided to follow his coach's lead.  As a result, he has pledged to the Blue Demons and head coach Dave Leitao.  Illinois Prep Bulls-eye has all of the goods on this most significant commitment in this story.

Mark Smith Realizes There's No Place Like Home
The more things changed in Mark Smith's recruitment, the more they actually stayed the same.  That is because while a plethora of bluebloods became involved to the point where things got certifiably crazy toward the end, Smith stayed true to the feelings that he held toward one particular school from the very beginning.  And that, above all else, is why Smith has closed things out by choosing a Big Ten School where he can be a key part in writing a new chapter in their men's basketball history.  Illinois Prep Bulls-eye has all of the specifics behind Smith's commitment in this story.

Illinois State Lands Huge In-State Sleeper In 2017 Class
The recruitment of Taylor Bruninga ultimately came down to three Missouri Valley Conference schools.  But in the end he decided to go with the one that had recruited him the longest and had the most clearcut plan for his future.  And that is why the biggest hidden gem in Illinois will be not only be staying in-state, but will also be playing relatively close to home.  Illinois Prep Bulls-eye lays out the particulars behind Bruninga's commitment in this story. 

Teyvion Kirk Commits To MAC School
When coaching changes necessitate a player redirecting his recruiting process, things can get complicated. But Joliet West's Teyvion Kirk stayed level-headed through it all, not rushing things and doing his homework.  As a result, he has found a school which he believes provides him with a perfect fit.  He will be playing in the MAC after recently wrapping up an official visit to that school.  Illinois Prep Bulls-eye fills everyone in on Kirk's commitment in this story.  

Wisconsin Green Bay Adds Third 2017 Recruit From Illinois
Wisconsin-Green Bay head coach Linc Darner and his hard working staff have simply done an outstanding job of recruiting in the Land Of Lincoln with respect to their 2017 recruiting class. And now they have managed to put the finishing touches on it by securing a commitment from a Chicago big man who was perhaps their highest priority of all.  Illinois Prep Bulls-eye provides the lowdown in this story.

Postseason All-State Teams
Our readers will notice a sharp contrast between our postseason all-state teams and the ones that we came up with during the preseason.  That is reflective of those individuals who we believe stepped up the most during the recently concluded high school season in Illinois. All of the postseason honors can be found by clicking on the above link.

Illinois Youth Basketball Association Summer Jamboree Set For Early June
The number of high school basketball team shootouts in Illinois during the month of June continue to grow and one that will definitely be worth people's while is the Illinois High School Summer Jamboree presented by the Illinois Youth Basketball Association.  Illinois Prep Bulls-eye has further details which can be found by clicking on the above link.

Illinois Spot-Lite Ultimate Hoops Combine Rapidly Approaching
The Illinois Spot-Lite's Ultimate Hoops Combine and Early Spring Jamboree always provide great opportunities for unsigned high school seniors seeking further skill development as well as area club teams looking to get some additional floor time prior to the Spring evaluation period.  This year is no exception.  Illinois Prep Bulls-eye has all the particulars pertaining to both events which can be found by clicking on the above lick.

Proviso East 4A Sectional: Whitney Young Displays Its Balance--Puts Rest Of State On Notice
Whitney Young has not been mentioned by too many others as one of the heavy hitters in the Illinois Class 4A state tournament, but they should be.  That is because their depth and well-balanced offense allows them to match up with virtually any team in the state.  This was fully evident in their sectional championship win at Proviso East.  Illinois Prep Bulls-eye elaborates further in this story.

Thornwood Class 4A Sectional: Verge Comes up Big In The Clutch To Propel Thornton
Everyone in the gym at Thornwood for the Class 4A sectional semifinal between Thornton and Brother Rice knew that one way or another the outcome of the game was going to fall on the shoulders of Thornton's highly talented 2017 guard Alonzo Verge Jr.  Sure enough, that is exactly what happened and the result ended up being a positive one.  As a result, Thornton is moving on the sectional final.  Illinois Prep Bulls-eye has the details in this story. 

Lincoln-Way East Class 4A Sectional: Bolingbrook Flexes Its Muscles In Win Over West Aurora
Since the beginning of the season, Bolingbrook has clearly established itself as one of the favorites to for the Class 4A state championship.  The primary reasons are their outstanding depth and a high-powered transition offense that just won't quit.  Both were on full display in the Class 4A sectional semifinal at Lincoln-Way East, enabling the Raiders to come away with a convincing victory.  Illinois Prep Bulls-eye has more in this story.

Sizing Up the 4A, 3A, 2A State Tournaments In Illinois 
America's Original March Madness is upon us as the boy's basketball state tournaments are now underway in Illinois in all four classes.  That should hopefully mean that a slew of exciting regional and sectional games are on tap, enough to whet the appetite of any high school hoops junkie.  With that in mind, Illinois Prep Bulls-eye takes a look at the top sectionals and tells folks what to look forward to in 4A, 3A and 2A action and serves up some predictions in this preview.  

Chicago State Lands Commitment From JUCO Wing
Chicago State head coach Tracy Dildy is as thorough as they come when it comes to recruiting in the Land Of Lincoln. And his attention to detail has paid off in the form of an unheralded wing from the local JUCO ranks who becomes the third member of the Cougars' 2017 recruiting class.  Illinois Prep Bulls-eye has the particulars behind the commitment in this story.  

Holiday Tournament Recap: Stock-Raisers & Impressive Performances
Once again, let the record show--NOBODY took in more 2016 holiday tournament action throughout Illinois than Illinois Prep Bulls-eye.  The evidence can be found in our comprehensive analysis of those players who looked most impressive to us over the course of the last week.  It is all here in this report.

All-Tournament Teams From Top Illinois Holiday Tournaments
Illinois Prep Bulls-eye has the complete list of all-tournament teams for the top holiday tournaments that recently concluded in Illinois.  They can be accessed by clicking on the above link.   

5 Sleeper Boy's Basketball Teams In Illinois
Which high school boy's basketball teams in Illinois are being undervalued and could end up competing for conference championships and more despite coming into the season unranked?  Illinois Prep Bulls-eye provides the answer with an in-depth look at five teams that are clearly under the radar in this report.   

Eastern Opts For The Big Ten
While accurate information was often difficult to come by due to his secretive nature, as time went on one factor appeared to stand out in Nojel Eastern's recruitment.  And in the end it was that factor that was the difference-maker in enabling him to make his decision.  That is why he has committed and signed a letter of intent with a Big Ten school.  Illinois Prep Bulls-eye lets folks know why Eastern's choice went down the way it did in this story.  

Analysis & Commentary: Jeremiah Tilmon Situation Could Warrant An Investigation
It has been a long time since we have offered up an analysis and commentary entry, but the latest news involving East St. Louis' Jeremiah Tilmon has necessitated the need to do so.  That is because until some things are straightened out and questions are answered, his recruitment has reached the point where an investigation of some kind may be mandatory.  Illinois Prep Bulls-eye lets folks know why and offers further thoughts in this report.

Logan Windeler Will Transfer To Prep School & Reclassify 
6'9 forward Logan Windeler emerged as one of the bigger "hidden gems" this summer after more than holding his own on the travel team circuit during the July Evaluation Period.  Nevertheless, Windeler has decided that his development as a player can best be served by heading to prep school.  As a result, he will be moving to Florida and reclassifying.  Illinois Prep Bulls-eye has all the news concerning the transfer in this report.  

Elijah Joiner Commits To American Athletic Conference School
To say that the recruitment of Elijah Joiner just became totally bizarre the longer it went on was a drastic understatement.  So much so that it led to certain scholarship offers deliberately not being made public.  In the end, Joiner ended up deciding on one of those very schools upon completing an official visit there, closing the books on a recruitment that only leads to more questions instead of answers.  Illinois Prep Bulls-eye serves up an explanation in this story.  

Lewis University Gets Its Big Man In 2017
Few if any D2 programs in the Midwest have consistently done a better job of recruiting to their needs than Lewis University.  And once again, the proof is in the pudding.  That is because after first landing a quality shooter as part of their 2017 class, the Flyers have now added a second piece in the form of a physical and ever-improving power forward from central Illinois.  Illinois Prep Bulls-eye has further details in this story.

Toledo Continues To Reel In Chicago Area Recruits/Negron Opts For Missouri Valley
You would be hard-pressed to find another mid-major head coach who has recruited the Chicago area any better over the last 3 years than Tod Kowalczyk at Toledo.  For further proof, Kowalczyk and the Rockets have added to their stable of recruits from the Windy City by landing a commitment from a highly athletic 2-guard from Chicago's south suburbs with great blood lines.  Meanwhile, Christian Negron has surprised a few folks by deciding to end his recruitment despite the fact that he will miss the entire upcoming high school season due to injury.  Not only that, but the Missouri Valley Conference School that landed him is getting a steal.  Illinois Prep Bulls-eye has the skinny behind both commitments in this story.  

DePaul Lands Their Second 2017 Commitment
When DePaul head coach Dave Leitao and his staff hosted a pair of 2017 front court prospects on the same weekend a month ago, they were hopeful they could land at least one commitment from among them.  Sure enough, that is exactly what has happened.  And once again as a result of their hard-working efforts, the Blue Demons have succeeded in landing their second commitment in the 2017 class, this time from an athletic big out of the Hoosier state.  Illinois Prep Bulls-eye has all of the goods on DePaul's latest pledge in this story.  

Markese Jacobs Commits To His "Dream School"
Sometimes in the world of college basketball an opportunity comes along to an elite-level underclassman that is simply too good to pass up.  That undoubtedly proved to be the case with Markese Jacobs with respect to his recruitment.  And because of that, the electrifying point guard decided to end things early and commit to the Big 12 program that he wanted to play for from the get-go.  Illinois Prep Bulls-eye breaks down Jacobs' commitment in this story.  

Justin Smith Headed To The Big Ten
There is no question that Justin Smith was very methodical throughout his recruitment.  But as the process rolled along, you got the feeling that it was going to end up having a Big Ten flavor to it.  And sure enough, due to the hard work and diligence of the coaching staff that succeeded in landing him, Smith will be staying in the Midwest and playing at a Big Ten school with perhaps the conference's richest basketball tradition.  Illinois Prep Bulls-eye elaborates further on Smith's commitment in this story.  

Nana Akenten Commits To Big Ten School
If ever there was a recruitment we were certain was going to end after his first official visit, it wasNana Akenten's.  That is because the school whose campus he frequented this past weekend had long been perceived as his frontrunner from the time that they offered him a scholarship.  With that being the case, it only took a few days after the visit's conclusion for Akenten to pull the trigger.  As a result, he will be playing his college basketball in the Big Ten.  Illinois Prep Bulls-eye has all of the details behind Akenten's commitment in this story. 

Lewis University Lands Its First 2017 Commitment
Lewis University head coach Scott Trost has been extremely aggressive on the recruiting trail this summer, extending scholarship offers to numerous in-state prospects in the 2017 class.  And has typically been the case, it is resulting in the Flyers landing key commitments.  The latest is from a hard-nosed shooting guard from Chicago's southwest suburbs who sports considerable toughness and simply knows how to win.  Illinois Prep Bulls-eye has further details behind the commitment in this story. 

Banner Recruiting Day For DePaul Results In Adding Transfer & Securing 1st 2017 Pledge
Few things in college basketball recruiting are any better than a school landing commitments just prior to one of its most important stretches.  That is exactly what has happened at DePaul, as in a single day head coach Dave Leitao succeeded in landing his first 2017 commitment and also picking up another key transfer who figures to step in immediately.  Illinois Prep Bulls-eye elaborates further on the Blue Demons' latest commits in this story.  

Illinois State Adds Key Transfers And JUCOs To Their Recruiting Class
The coaching staff at Illinois State has worked the JUCO and transfer wires all Spring long and it has paid off big time. That is because the Redbirds have rounded out their 2016 recruiting class with a pair of key JUCO recruits and two transfers, all of whom should make an immediate and significant impact.  Illinois Prep Bulls-eye fills everyone in on ISU's latest additions in this story.  

Big East It Is For Max Strus
The reason whyMax Strus decided to transfer from Lewis University was because he felt he could play at an even higher level.  As time wore on after obtaining his release, it became more apparent that his wishes would be fulfilled and that he would land in the Big East.  And now, after taking official visits to three schools in that conference, he has decided to remain close to home, with his final choice having an advantage of a strong family connection.  Illinois Prep Bulls-eye has all that you need to know with respect to Strus' commitment in this story.

Marcus Ottey Becomes UIC's 5th Recruit In 2016
Having already hauled in a most impressive 2016 recruiting class, Steve McClain and the staff at UIC were looking to put the finishing touches on it.  They have succeeded in doing just that in the form of a high-scoring Canadian guard with considerable athleticism.  His pledge now gives the Flames what is clearly the best 2016 class in the Horizon League. Illinois Prep Bulls-eye has more on the significance of UIC's latest commitment in this story.  

Da'Monte Williams Ends His Recruitment Early--Commits To Big Ten School
When you are the son of a player who is perceived as a basketball icon within his home state it automatically increases the pressure to follow in your father's footsteps, not only skill-wise but also with respect to recruiting.  As it turns out, that is exactly what Peoria Manual's Da'Monte Williams ended up doing.  He has therefore closed out his recruitment and will be playing his college basketball at his dad's Alma Mater.  Illinois Prep Bulls-eye has the lowdown on Williams' commitment in this story.   

DePaul Completes Package Deal With Pair Of LaLumiere Recruits
The moment that a pair of 2016 recruits from a highly prestigious prep school in Indiana announced their intentions to take official visits together to DePaul we knew that a package deal was a realistic possibility.  And sure enough, it has come to fruition as the Blue Demons and head coach Dave Leitao now have the duo in the fold.  Illinois Prep Bulls-eye has more on DePaul's latest commitments in this story.  

UIC Lands 2nd 2016 Commitment From Multi-Dimensional European 2-Guard
UIC head coach Steve McClain and his hard-working staff continue to show that their recruiting connections extend well beyond their own local area.  The proof is in the pudding, as McClain and the Flames have landed their second 2016 commitment in the form of a highly versatile guard from Ireland.  Illinois Prep Bulls-eye breaks down the details behind UIC's latest commitment in this story.  

Class Of 2019 Player Watch: Kejuan Clements
Anyone who follows high school basketball in the Chicago Public League knows that the talent pool at Simeon never runs dry.  This is further evidenced by the countless number of intriguing underclassmen they have in their stable.  And now in addition to the plethora of skilled 2018 prospects at Simeon, a 2019 combo guard has burst onto the scene who caught our eye at the Pangos All-Midwest Frosh/Soph Camp and could be the best player in the state from that class--at least for now.  Illinois Prep Bulls-eye breaks down his game in this Player Watch.    

UIC Lands First 2016 Commitment From High-Energy Instate Wing
The feeling among the UIC coaching staff heading into last weekend was that they wanted to secure a commitment from at least one of the 2016 recruits they had on campus for official visits.  Mission accomplished, as the Flames were able to close the deal with one of their top targets--a highly athletic wing from downstate Illinois with a motor that never stops. Illinois Prep Bulls-eye has all the news surrounding the commitment in this story.  

Southern Illinois Lands 1st 2016 Commitment From Local Wing Forward
With the talent pool running deep in the deep south region of Illinois and St. Louis, one of the foremost recruiting priorities for Southern Illinois University head coach Barry Hinson has been to get top local recruits in the fold.  He is off to a banner start in that area, as the Salukis have secured their first commitment from the 2016 class in the form of a talented 3-man whose recruitment we thought was just getting started.  Illinois Prep Bulls-eye breaks down the commitment in this story.  

Bradley Lands 2016 Commitment From Local 2-Guard
One of Brian Wardle's first orders of business upon becoming the new head men's basketball coach at Bradley was to keep top local talent at home.  Wardle and the Braves are already off to a flying start in that area.  That is because they have secured a commitment in their 2016 recruiting class from a nearby 2-guard whose stock had been on the rise since the beginning of this past Spring.  Illinois Prep Bulls-eye has the news on Bradley's latest pledge in this story.      

Why Brian Wardle Will Make An Immediate Impact At Bradley
Knowing all of the factors that would end up going into the decision, Illinois Prep Bulls-eye was well in-tune with who would become the new head coach at Bradley from the moment that it was announced a change was being made.  And sure enough, things have now come to fruition exactly the way we thought they would, as Brian Wardle will take over Bradley's men's basketball program.  In this story, we take a look at all of the reasons why Wardle and Bradley are a perfect fit for one another, including one that figures to reap immediate rewards for the Braves.