Podcast: Illini signees go on the record

Wednesday was the first day 2015 basketball recruits could sign their letters of intent. John Groce and Fighting Illini signed four players in a class currently ranked No. 12 nationally in the Rivals.com Team Recruiting Rankings.

"We are thrilled with this class and are excited to publicly welcome Jalen, Aaron and D.J. to the Fighting Illini family as well as to officially re-sign Darius, who has remained an extended part of our family," Groce said. "We look for a certain type of player who fits our culture, which I call an `Illini guy.' These young men are definitely Illini guys, and that also is a testament to the parents, families, coaches and friends who surround them.

"When looking at what they bring to the court, I don't know if there's a class in the country with a better set of shooters than Jalen and Aaron," Groce continued. "They are lights-out from the perimeter. And D.J. is one of the most skilled and versatile players in the entire 2015 class. He can play practically anywhere on the floor. These three are a perfect fit for our system.

"Regarding Darius, we have remained in communication with him and his family since he left last spring," Groce added. "We are proud of the progress he has made both on and off the court. We look forward to his continued improvement and a successful return to our program."

D.J. Williams - 4-star small forward, Chicago Simeon

Groce on Williams: "At his size, D.J. is as skilled as anyone in the country. He can handle it, is an incredible passer, scores it and is capable of using both hands to finish. D.J. is one of the most versatile players we have ever recruited. He loves this university and will be the latest in a long line of outstanding Simeon graduates to suit up for the Illini."

Aaron Jordan - 4-star shooting guard, Plainfield (Ill.) East.

Groce on Jordan: "Aaron is an exceptional shooter with great size for his position. He has gotten better every single time I've watched him throughout his career. Aaron has tremendous work ethic, is an outstanding student and will take great pride in representing his state school."

Jalen Coleman-Lands - 4-star shooting guard, La Porte (Ind.) La Lumiere School

Groce on Coleman-Lands: "Jalen is without question one of the best shooters in the country. He also is a terrific defender. Jalen is capable of playing and guarding multiple positions on the perimeter. He is a hard worker, an outstanding young man of the highest character and a winner."

Darius Paul - 3-star power forward, Port Arthur (Texas) Lamar State College

Groce on Paul: "Darius is in a great situation at Lamar State-Port Arthur. We are proud of the progress he has made as a person, student and player. He is an extremely talented and skilled player who will strengthen our frontcourt upon his return to campus."

Listen to each signee talk about their recruitment, the future of Illinois basketball, and more on the Tay and J Show, 93.5 ESPN Radio. Click on the Tay and J Show avatar below to hear the podcasts.

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