Future Illini is a willing recruiter
Future Illini D.J. Williams, a 6-foot-7 wing from Chicago Simeon, is committed to moving the Illinois program forward in more ways than one.
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"It's a part of my job to help recruit as well," Williams said.
Committed players helping to sell the program is something encouraged by Fighting Illini head coach John Groce. Williams took it to heart this past weekend, with 5-star big man Elijah Thomas from Lancaster (Texas) on campus for an official visit.
Following his visit, Thomas named Illinois his leader in a report by Rivals.com national recruiting analyst Eric Bossi.
"Elijah and I are really close - he's a like a big brother to me," Williams said. "We talk all the time. I'm not surprised at all he listed Illinois as his leader right now. He's always spoken highly of the program."
With the pledge of 4-star guard Jalen Coleman on Tuesday, Groce now has secured commitments from the No. 37 (Coleman), No. 61 (Williams), and No. 84 (Aaron Jordan) prospects in the 2015 class.
An athletic and skilled wing, Williams has very good upside. When he committed to Illinois, most felt his best days were ahead of him, and he has a chance to move up the rankings with a strong senior season at Simeon
Rankings are not something that are weighing Williams' mind, however.
"I really don't worry about that stuff," Williams. "Rankings are man-made. If I'm number one in the country or 100, I'm still going to work hard on my game every day."
Williams had a strong July on the AAU circuit after switching clubs and running with Playground Elite. He also participated in USA Basketball's U17 training camp at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Spring.
With Williams, Jordan, and Coleman on board, the Illini have loaded up on versatile wings who can score the basketball.
Groce is also strongly in the running for Texas point guard Jawun Evans (No. 26 in 2015). The recruiting buzz has reached epic proportions in the last week. Williams - who is used to winning at storied Simeon - believes the sky is the limit for the Illini.
"When I get to Illinois, it's about winning at the Big Ten championship and next goal is a national title," he said.
Kedric Prince has covered the Fighting Illini for over a decade. He is currently the Illini recruiting analyst for the Moline Dispatch / Rock Island Argus newspaper in the Quad Cities. Follow Kedric on Twitter @KedPrince4
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