Illinois made the cut for a five-star wing? Illinois made the cut for a five-star wing! On Sunday, Indiana native Kris Wilkes included the Fighting Illini on his narrowed list of 11 schools. The 6-foot-7, 190-pound prospect is currently the No. 15 overall player in 247Sports' class-of-2017 composite rankings.
Wilkes also named Indiana, Ohio State, Michigan, North Carolina, UCLA, Xavier, Arizona, UConn, Butler, and Washington as programs under consideration.
Thanks to @TiptonEdits_ for the edit ... pic.twitter.com/mBBgvtB0jI
— Kris Air Wilkes (@kadw31) July 31, 2016
"I would like to thank all the wonderful schools who've recruited me and made scholarship offers to me. After careful consideration and talking to my family these are the top 11 schools that I have come up with."
~ Kris Wilkes
It's hard to gauge Wilkes' interest in Illinois because he really hasn't had a high-profile recruitment, but he did take an unofficial visit to Champaign last June. So while the Fighting Illini have established an early relationship, I think their inclusion on this list has a lot to do with the addition of Jeremiah Tilmon. It's simple -- when a program is able to land talented prospects, other top-tier players will take notice.
I wouldn't hold your breath for a commitment, though, because Indiana and North Carolina look to be two of the top suitors here. Xavier is another school to watch since they're perceived to be the frontrunner for four-star guard Paul Scruggs, who's Wilkes' AAU teammate.
Still, this could become a pretty interesting race for Illinois if they're able to get Wilkes on campus for an official visit. As we've seen in the past, anything can happen you get a player on campus for 48 hours.
Kris Wilkes Highlights
August 1, 2016 Poll Question
If/when Kris Wilkes narrows his list even further (i.e. Top 5), will Illinois make the cut? Make sure to cast your vote at the bottom, and let us know what you think in the comments!
Illinois Fighting Illini Links
- Four-star PG Trent Frazier cuts list, includes Illinois (TCR)
As expected, Illinois basketball has made the cut for their top point guard target. In addition to the Orange and Blue, the 6-foot-2 prospect is also considering Georgia, Memphis, Seton Hall, VCU, SMU, Kansas State, and Rhode Island.
- How does Illinois' Block I make their fantastic card stunts? (TCR)
Block I, the Illinois student section, is constantly creating new ways to enhance the atmosphere in Champaign. What kind of preparation goes into their weekly card stunts? What's the student experience like? Find out in our Q&A.
- Lovie Smith boosts Illinois-related business (The Register-Mail)
Retail folks use the term "turn" to describe an item that sells out completely, then sells out again when it's restocked. Gameday Spirit has gone through "seven or eight" turns of the orange Lovie t-shirt.
- Illini return to campus for Fall training camp (STL Post Dispatch)
"I'm very much looking forward to that first game," Whitman said. "That will be a very special experience to me. To be in this capacity with the athletic program. To be there when the guys run out onto the football field for the first time will be surreal and a very humbling experience.