Illini watch 2017 power forward
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Illinois was one of many high major schools to check out 2017 power forward Theo John from Champlin Park (MN) at the NY2LA Summer Jam last weekend in Milwaukee.
Others who caught the rising junior in action with his AAU club Howard Pulley included Ohio State, Marquette, Xavier, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, Iowa, and several others.
Illinois extended an offer to the 6-foot-9 John in late June. No favorites have emerged as of yet.
"I have offers from Illinois, Texas Tech, Iowa, Nebraska, Marquette, and Minnesota," John said. "I'm keeping my options open. I have another year left of high school, so I just want to see where I am with recruiting."
Currently ranked a 3-star prospect and the No. 87 player in his class nationally, John is a high energy player who is developing as a scorer. He played up with the Pulley 17's at the Summer Jam, leading his team to a 6-0 record and the tournament championship.
A bouncy athlete, John excels as a shot blocker and on-the-ball defender, something he says college coaches have taken notice of.
"They say I can guard 1-5," John said. "They like the energy, the motor, grabbing rebounds, giving one hundred percent on the court. I'm working on my offense a little bit. It's there, but everything can be improved."
Recruiting is on hold for John while he finishes up the July AAR circuit, but he plans to take some visits later in the year as the season approaches.
Illinois coach John Groce is among the coaches who would like to get John on their campus for a visit. According to John, he is just getting to know the Illini program and staff, but he has serious interest and wants to build on the relationship.
(Illinois) is a great school," John said. "I don't too much about them yet, but I'm definitely interested in knowing more."