This weekend is huge for the Illinois basketball team for multiple reasons.
One of the reasons this weekend is so big for the Illini is that Oscar Tshiebwe will be officially announcing where he will be playing basketball in 2019. He has already informed the coaches of the final four programs, but the fans are waiting on the edge of their seats.
Another reason Illinois fans should be pumped about this weekend is the fact Anthony Walker is going to announce his commitment as well.
Walker is a 6-foot-8, 200-pound power forward from Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. He is rated as a four-star recruit who is the No. 76 player in the class of 2019 and the No. 17 power forward in the nation.
In a great article by Pat Lawless of Prep Circuit, Walker had a chance to explain who the four teams were that he is choosing from and what each program brought to the table. The winner of his commitment will be either Boston College, Miami, Pittsburgh or Illinois. Here is what Walker had to say about the Illini.
"“Illinois has very versatile players and I think of myself as a versatile prospect,” he said. “I’ll be able to come in and fit in with the guys and just play basketball.”"
One of the things that coaches have been telling Walker, according to the article, is that he will be a versatile player when he gets into the program. He can play multiple positions and isn’t just relegated to the post. Well, what better place to come than Illinois if that is what he wants?
In one season with Illini head coach Brad Underwood, Leron Black transformed from mainly a post player to a versatile option who could play the post but also knock down the 15-foot shot and even step back and hit the three-pointer every once in a while.
Walker has the same type of game that Black does. I would hope this would be a great connection for Walker to potentially suit up in the Orange and Blue for 2019.
Illinois has the chance to possibly land a top 100 player for the class of 2019 on Saturday. Walker would be a great addition to this program and, hopefully, Underwood can land this talented player.