Illinois Basketball: Illini Recruiting Wish List

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Dec 31, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; A general view of a Nike Xavier Musketeers basketball on the court at Cintas Center. Xavier won 70-53. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; A general view of a Nike Xavier Musketeers basketball on the court at Cintas Center. Xavier won 70-53. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

The recruitment of center Jeremiah Tilmon has been the biggest roller coaster that an Illini fan has had to deal with over the last decade.

Tilmon is looking at Illinois, among a long list of other programs.  It is rumored that he is looking at both the Illini and Kansas the most.

If Illinois loses another big time recruit to Kansas it will be devastating to the program and the reputations of Groce.

Illinois Fighting Illini
Illinois Fighting Illini /

Illinois Fighting Illini

Tilmon is on my wish list because he would be a big piece to the success of the Illini in the future.

In 2017, Illinois is looking at having Michael Finke at the center position right now.

Finke is a great shooter and can provide a mismatch on the offensive end, but Illinois will then struggle on defense.

Tilmon is currently ranked as the 18th best player in the class of 2017 according to the new Scout rankings.  This would be the highest rated recruit the Illini have snag since the class of 2002.

There is no doubt in my mind that Tilmon would give a boost to the Illini on both ends of the court.

Tilmon is skilled when it comes to positioning on the court.

When the point guard starts his drive Tilmon knows to not clog the lane but to stay within scoring range so the point guard has the option to drop off the ball.

I am impressed by Tilmon’s athletic ability as well.

Most players his size that are that athletic are perimeter players.  He will be a great asset in the paint and reminds me a lot of a player like Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers.

Next: No. 2 Wish List Player