Recruiting process speeds up for Nolley

The recruiting process is speeding up for 4-star small forward Landers Nolley from Fairburn (GA) Langston Hughes. Nolley told Orange and Blue News that he’s considering four final schools.

“It’s time to focus on schools and prepare for my season coming up,” Nolley said. “I can’t release the list just yet. I have to do a few things first.”

Nolley took an official visit to Illinois earlier this month, and he previously announced plans to visit Virginia Tech, Georgia and Oklahoma State.

He originally planned to commit at the end October. After an in-home visit with Illinois coach Brad Underwood this week, Nolley moved up his commitment date to Oct. 7.

According to Nolley, Illinois is putting on the full court press.

“Illinois has done an amazing job as far as recruiting me and making me feel like their number one guy,” he said. “It’s not been one coach. It’s literally been all four.”

During his visit to Champaign and the in-home visit, Nolley said the Illinois staff laid out how they see him fitting in the program and developing as a player.

“The plan they have for me and how they treat me and let me know they want to better me - not just on the court but off the court – that means a lot to me,” he said.

Ranked the No. 55 prospect in the class of 2018, Nolley is a lights out shooter and a plus athlete. He also has a connection to the state of Illinois having played at Chicago Curie as a freshman.

That Chicago connection includes a friendship with Chicago Morgan Park 5-star guard Ayo Dosunmu who has long been at the top of the Illinois recruiting board.

The two have discussed the possibility of teaming up at the same school.

“It would be a problem for any team we played because I feel we complement each other well,” Nolley said.

Nolley is a scorer who can score from all three levels. He is most known for his ability as a shot-maker from behind the arc, however.

His size, length and ability to hit shots make him a coveted prospect and it fills a huge need for the Illini in 2018 and beyond.

Right now it looks like a battle between Illinois and Virginia Tech, with the Illini in very good position for the former Chicago star.