CHAMPAIGN — Jeremiah Tilmon was always going to play in today's Braggin' Rights game in St. Louis. Who he was going to play for was just another part of the 18-month journey that defined the four-star big man's recruitment.
Saga is probably an apt description. Roller coaster fits, too.
Tilmon committed to Illinois in July 2016. After some hesitation, he ultimately signed with the Illini on the last possible day of the early signing period that November.
Then Illinois coach John Groce was fired in mid-March of this year. After initially indicating he was still going to join the Illini, Tilmon asked for and received his release in early April from new Illinois coach Brad Underwood.