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Illinois Basketball: Ranking the last 10 recruiting classes

By Rees Woodcock

Dec 21, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; The Illinois Fighting Illini cheerleaders run on the court before a basketball game against the Missouri Tigers at Scottrade Center. Illinois won 75-66. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; The Illinois Fighting Illini cheerleaders run on the court before a basketball game against the Missouri Tigers at Scottrade Center. Illinois won 75-66. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 2, 2016; Richmond, VA, USA; An official ball bounces on the court during a stoppage in play in the game between the Virginia Commonwealth Rams and the Davidson Wildcats during the second half at Stuart Siegel Center. The Rams won 70-60. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2 Class of 2017

One of the best things Groce ever did for this program was recruit the class of 2017. This group of players has a chance to be special under new head coach Brad Underwood.

The class currently consists of four players and that could turn into five or potentially six in the coming months.  If that happens this class will then move up to No. 1, but for now, it sits at No. 2.

Jeremiah Tilmon is easily the highest rated recruit in this class. He is ranked as a five-star recruit who is the No. 18 player in the class of 2017. Illinois plucked him from East St. Louis High School and he is arguably the best recruit in the history of the program.

The next highest recruit in the class is Trent Frazier. He is ranked as the No. 77 player in the class of 2017 and Groce did a great job in recruiting this talented point guard.

Frazier was a big-time get for the Illini. They needed another point guard and he can be that man. He is also from Wellington, Florida so it makes the commitment even more impressive for the Illini.

Illinois also has four-star Da’Monte Williams coming in and three-star Javon Pickett. These two players will bring some special talent to the table.

Williams is essentially a top 100 player but because of injuries, he was dropped out of the rankings. He actually might redshirt year one as well.

Pickett also brings a lot to the table. He might be a three-star but he has dominated at the high school level. His wingspan will benefit the Illini greatly.

This group of players has a chance to bring the Illinois basketball program back to greatness. I think it is possible and I can’t wait to see how they develop over the next few years.

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