Illinois Basketball: The Present and Future at the Center Position
Jeremiah Tilmon
One of the hot names that were on the Illinois basketball recruiting list was Jeremiah Tilmon.
Tilmon has developed a tight relationship with head coach John Groce and the Illini have been recruiting him since he was in middle school.
The recruiting scene is fluid, though, and Tilmon now has a plethora of programs vying for his services.
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Of course, the recruitment of Tilmon has to play out and he will take visits to other schools. That is all part of the process. But, Illinois is still in the running until he says otherwise.
Do I think Tilmon will be wearing orange and blue in 2017? I literally think it is a 50-50 proposition. I don’t think anyone knows, including Tilmon.
Tilmon is going to take those visits and it is on Illinois and Groce to make him realize that Champaign is the right place to be.
Now, if Illinois does snag Tilmon that would be a huge get for the future.
After this upcoming season, Illinois will be without a true center. Morgan will have graduated, along with Thorne, and the only other player over 6-foot-8 is Michael Finke.
Tilmon would be used right away and that should be a selling point in his recruitment. He would have immediate playing time to show the world his talents.
The fact the Illini are still in the running for a 5-star center is promising. They are great at getting to the point of being in the running, now it is time to close.
Next: Derek Culver