CHAMPAIGN — Landing a big man in the Class of 2017 has long been a top priority for Illinois with the team’s post depth cut in half after the 2016-17 season when Mike Thorne Jr. and Maverick Morgan exhaust their eligibility.
The Illini had that issue addressed in a big way Monday. Former East St. Louis standout and rising La Lumiere (Ind.) senior Jeremiah Tilmon gave a verbal commitment to John Groce, choosing the Illini over Kansas, North Carolina, Michigan State and Texas. The five-star center is Illinois’ third commit in the Class of 2017 along with Belleville East wing Javon Pickett and Illini legacy and Peoria Manual combo guard Da’Monte Williams.