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Illinois Basketball: 5 changes since John Groce was fired

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 5, 2016; Lawrence, KS, USA; Basketballs next to the court before the game between the Kansas Jayhawks and Iowa State Cyclones at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3 Javon Pickett release

Jeremiah Tilmon was the first domino to fall from the class of 2017. He decommitted from the Illinois basketball program and that was hard to handle.

But, the other three players seemed like they were solid to their NLI. They all seemed pretty committed to the program and I thought we were still good to go for next season.

I thought wrong, though. It turned out that not too long after the Tilmon decommitment, Javon Pickett also decided to reopen his options and see what else is out there.

Pickett was the lowest rated recruit out of the four that were committed to the program. All of the recruiting sites had him listed as a three-star player, but I always thought he had a ton of potential.

I could see Pickett being a diamond in the rough. He would likely have redshirted year one and then developed during that season. He would then be unleashed the following year and with his length would have been dangerous in the Big Ten.

But, Pickett is no longer with the Illini, but technically is still keeping them in the mix. He has already started to receive offers from other programs as well.

I want to see how Pickett’s career unfolds. I think this kid has potential to be special wherever he ends up.

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