3-star point guard calls Illinis number
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John Groce got his point guard.
Illinois picked up a commitment on Wednesday from 3-star point guard Te'Jon Lucas from Milwaukee (Wisc.) Washington, their first commitment in the class of 2016.
During an event at the Silver Springs Neighborhood Center in Milwaukee, Lucas chose Illinois from a final three that included USC and Old Dominion. Other offers included Memphis and Purdue.
In Lucas, the Illini get a 5-foot-11 floor general with a high basketball IQ and a tight handle. He's very quick and has deft passing skills. Although not a prolific scorer, Lucas has the ability to put up points when he needs to.
Style of play, his relationship with the coaching staff, and a chance to see the floor early all played in to Lucas' final decision.
"They play the same type of ball that I play," Lucas said. "They don't have quite the depth at the point guard position. And it's close to home. My family will be able to come to the games. Illinois is the best situation for me."
Lucas said he spoke to Groce on Wednesday.
"He was very excited," Lucas said. "He welcomed me to the Illini family, so it was very good. He's just as excited as I am."
Rivals.com national basketball recruiting analyst Eric Bossi broke down the recruitment.
Bossi: ""Lucas is a guy that the Illini locked in and went full steam ahead with almost as soon as they saw him in July. He isn't the biggest point guard, but he plays with toughness and is a natural leader on the floor. He's not a leaper, but he has outstanding body control and surprising strength for a guy his size that allows him to be pretty effective in the lane. Lucas is not afraid to take and make tough shots and really seems to be hitting his stride and playing at a higher level each time he takes the floor."
Lucas' stock rose this summer playing on the AAU circuit for the Milwaukee Spartans and he had a strong performance at NBPA Top 100 camp in Virginia. Illinois coach John Groce extended a scholarship offer following the July evaluation period.
As a junior at Washington HS, Lucas averaged a team-high 14.3 points and 5.2 assists per game. He helped lead his team to a 17-6 record. His game should translate well in the Illini's system.
"I play well off of the pick and roll," Lucas said. "I'll be able to come in and produce and make the team better."
Though Lucas didn't visit Illinois officially yet, he was on campus for an unofficial visit in August. He still plans to make it to a schedule official visit this weekend.
"This visit will more of a celebration rather than persuading me to come there," Lucas said.
Groce now sets his sights on adding a wing and a big man to the 2016 class.