Early Look at the 2011 Men’s Basketball Recruits

Bruce Weber is hoping that the 2011 recruiting class can bring some balance to a team that struggled with its up-and-down play last season.

Last Sunday, Illinois added its 7th member of the 2011 recruiting class when Ibrahima Djimde signed with the Illini, choosing Illinois over several other schools including Indiana and Old Dominion. With the addition of Djimde, who most know simply by his nickname Ibby, Illinois has arguably the best recruiting class in the Big Ten. The Illini certainly will have the most new faces of any Big Ten team next season. Illinois’ 2011 class is ranked 11th in the nation by both ESPN and Rivals. Starting tomorrow, Writing Illini will look at all 7 of the incoming players in depth, one per day. For now, here is a bit of general information about all 7 future Illini (listed in alphabetical order by last name, not signing order).

• Tracy Abrams

Stars: 4

Position: Pointguard

Ranking: 13th at position, 58th overall

Home Town: Chicago, Illinois

• Ibrahima Djimde

Stars: 2

Position: Center

Ranking: 58 at position, N/R overall

Home Town: Huntington, West Virginia

• Nnanna Egwu

Stars: 4

Position: Center

Ranking: 14th at position, 97 overall

Home Town: Chicago Illinois

• Mycheal Henry

Stars: 4

Position: Small Forward

Ranking: 11 at position, 39th overall

Home Town: Chicago, Illinois

• Devin Langford

Stars: 3

Position: Small Forward

Ranking: 34th at position, N/R overall

Hometown: Huntsville, Alabama

• Mike Shaw

Stars: 4

Position: Power Forward

Ranking: 9th at position, 59th overall

Home Town: Chicago, Illinois

• Sam Maniscalco (Senior Transfer)

Stars: N/A

Position: Pointguard

Ranking: N/A

Home Town: Chicago, Illinois

There you have it. Keep checking in all week to get more information on each player’s past as well as what is expected from them during their college careers.

Until then.