Illinois Basketball: Illini could use a talented big like Michael Foster
It would be fun for the Illinois basketball team to land a top five player in a recruiting class in my lifetime.
Since recruiting rankings started to become a thing, Illinois’ cap has been around the No. 20 player in the class. We have had a few big-time recruits around this mark like Dee Brown and Meyers Leonard. Over the weekend, though, Illinois started to recruit a top-five player. The Illini extended a scholarship offer to Michael Foster.
Foster is a 6-foot-9, 220-pound power forward from Washington Information Technology High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is rated as a five-star recruit who is the No. 4 player in the class of 2021 and the No. 1 power forward in the nation. He is also the No. 2 player in the state of Wisconsin as well.
Jake Weingarten of Stockrisers tweeted out on Thursday night that Illinois, among others, offered Foster a scholarship. Surprisingly, according to 247Sports, Foster only has 12 scholarship offers right now. Of course, more are to come, but this kid is a star and a top five player in a recruiting class. I am shocked every team in DI basketball hasn’t at least extended an offer.
Arizona, Memphis, Illinois, and Florida State, all just offered five-star sophomore Michael Foster, a source told @Stockrisers.
— Jake (@jakeweingarten) June 14, 2019
Much like a lot of the top recruits in each class, Foster has decided to finish up his time in high school at a prep program. Just a month ago, the news broke that Foster has decided to transfer away from Washington Information Technology High School and will be attending Hillcrest Prep in Arizona. Hillcrest is one of the nationally known prep schools that attract top talent from across the country.
When you watch Foster player basketball, you can tell why he is projected as one of the top recruits in the country. He has length. This kid is not only big, but his wingspan looks to be easily past seven foot. He is also developing a nice three-point shot as well. His build and athletic ability remind me of an Anthony Davis type of player.
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I realize landing Foster is going to be a pipe dream for Illini fans. But we are now in the mix for this kid. Hopefully, the good feelings are reciprocated. Illinois could use a talented big like Foster.