Big recruiting weekend as Illini host 5-star Wilkes
It’s another huge visit weekend for the Illinois basketball program as 5-star small forward Kris Wilkes is set to visit the Illinois campus and take the first of his five official visits. Wilkes will visit along with Illinois commits Da’Monte Williams and Javon Pickett, and the other 2017 commitment, 5-star big man Jeremiah Tilmon, is also expected to drop by. It will all make for a big recruiting weekend for the Illini.
Wilkes also has visits set for UCLA (Sept 23-25), Indiana (Sept 30-Oct 2), Xavier (Oct 28-30) and UConn (Nov 4-6). Sources tell us that they would be surprised if he actually takes all five visits, but they also expect him to take at least three. Most talk has centered on Indiana thus far for the projected Mr. Basketball in the Hoosier state, but Illinois has made a push into the top echelon and with the talent n board and on the way in 2017, Wilkes is intrigued by the Illini’s future.
Wilkes would be an immediate impact player with his high level athleticism and has the ability to play both the 3 and 4 position in college, although he will be mostly a 3 at the next level. He still has some work to do as a perimeter ball handler, but can become a tremendous defender with his length and athletic ability. Wilkes measured and 6-foot-7 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan and already weighs in at near 200 pounds. He is a great finisher in transition at the rim.
Right now, Wilkes says the keys will be relationship with the coaching staff, the players that are going to be playing with him, and the style of play as the major factors in his decision making process. Illinois has done their part to show him how well he fits leading up to his visit this weekend.
Of course, there will also be a huge sellout crowd for a football game Saturday night which will create a great atmosphere for them to take part in as John Groce attempts to use the Lovie Smith effect in basketball recruiting as well.
Prediciton: It’s doubtful you will see a Wilkes commitment this weekend, which means Illinois will have to wait and see what happens on at least his next two visits before they learn the fate of the No. 18 player in the Rivals150 for 2017.