Illinois Basketball: Don’t Sleep on Derek Culver

There have been talks among the Illinois basketball recruiting circles for a while now about the importance of Jeremiah Tilmon for 2017.

I, myself, have mentioned that name a time or two.  But, as the days continue to grow longer and the recruits continue to take visits, let us not forget about the other potential superstars that are among us.

Now a topic all Illinois fans can agree on is that the Illini need a center for 2017.  The team can’t go on with just Michael Finke filling that role.  I love Finke, but he just isn’t quite there yet.

This is the reason behind the excitement of recruiting Tilmon.  But, there may be another big time center that Illinois is targeting that people keep passing over.

Don’t sleep on center Derek Culver.

No one truly knows where these recruits are going, including the recruits.  Everything is speculation on where these kids commit until the day they announce their decision.

Culver’s recruitment has been fairly quiet over the last year.  He hasn’t put out his “top” list and no one really knows where he stands as far as a leader for commitment goes.

Illinois Fighting Illini

But, in speaking with Culver’s high school coach Andrew Vlajkovich, it looks like this big time center still has the Illini on his radar.

Since Illinois is right in the mix for Culver, I wanted to get to know what makes him tick and what his best features are on the basketball court.

Here is a little Q&A session I had with Vlajkovich about Culver and who he is as a basketball player.

RW) What are the best qualities Derek brings to the basketball court as a player and teammate?

AV) Derek is a very long and athletic big man who can score with his back to the basketball and also face up on the wing. He is very versatile and a very good passer.

His perimeter game is improving as he continues to work on his jump shot.  His basketball IQ and willingness to pass make him a great teammate.

Derek has a great personality and people naturally like him.

RW) Most memorable game Derek has had in his high school career?

AV) During his sophomore year, Derek played one of his best games at a very crucial point of our season. We played Mentor High School in the district semifinal.

Derek went for 26 points and 17 rebounds in a win over a perennial power and future Oho State big man Micah Potter.  He also had a 20 point, 10 rebound, performance his junior year against Cleveland St. Ignatius, one of Ohio’s best teams.

RW) Derek is being wooed by many programs, how has this affected his focus?

AV) Derek has remained focused throughout his recruiting process. Initially, it was overwhelming but he has been recruited intensely for three years now, so he is accustom to it.

RW) Some reports are that Illinois could be a dark-horse in Derek’s recruitment, is there any truth to this? Is Derek and the Illini still talking?

AV) Illinois will certainly contend for Derek’s choice. He visited last fall and has a great relationship with both coach Groce and coach Ford.

They continue to stay in contact with Derek frequently.

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I have heard that Illinois and Culver have been close throughout his recruitment and that they may be a contender for his commitment.

But, now with the backing of his high school head coach, I believe the Illini are right in the middle of the race to snag this talented center.

This would be a big time commitment for the Illini as well.  Culver is a 4-star recruit out of Warren, Ohio.  He is rated as the 40^th best player in the class of 2017.

A mix of great size and athleticism is why Culver is such a special recruit.  He stands at 6-foot-10 and weighs 230-pounds.  He is extremely athletic for his size as well.

Culver can move around the basketball well.  He has a great ability to post up on the block, but he can also handle the ball well.

I haven’t seen a handle on a big man like Culver in a long time.  He is a good dribbler and he has vision on the basketball court like a seasoned point guard.

Looking at what Culver brings to the table, I am not so sure Tilmon should be the player that Illini Nation should be focusing on right now.  I think Culver could be one of the best, if not the best, center in the class of 2017.

I can only hope that Illinois ends up pulling Culver away from the likes of West Virginia, Florida, and Arizona.

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If Groce can make this happen and Illinois gets a commitment from Culver, then I think the future is set up for great success in Champaign.