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Make that six freshman that will be on the Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball team next season.
This afternoon Kankakee forward Lincoln Williams signed with the Illini, joining an incoming freshman class that includes Quentin Coleman, Lucas Morillo, Ethan Brown, Landon Davis and Xavier Zens.
A 6'5'' forward who looks the part of an athletic and lanky player, Williams apparently chose Illinois instead of UNLV and Virginia Tech.
According to this Chicago Sun-Times article, Williams remained uncommitted due to academic issues stemming from his junior season despite being the #1 ranked player in the state of Illinois his senior season.
I am not going to pretend I know much about Williams' game or saw another freshman even joining the Illini, but this move should be the last roster move heading into the summer and next season.
Williams' addition figures to be developmental for next season, with such late adds not always equating to long stays in Champaign. However, if Head Coach Brad Underwood feels that Williams' talent and potential are too good to pass up on, he has more than earned that trust.
With six freshman on the roster next season, chances are that at least two will be transferring after their first seasons. Such is the nature of modern college basketball, whether we like it or not, though I long for the days of players staying several years and developing. Illinois is certainly leaning younger after next season, and it shall be interesting to see which of these prep recruits stay long-term.
Here are some highlights of Williams in high school against 2027 Illini recruit Quinton Kitt.
This afternoon Kankakee forward Lincoln Williams signed with the Illini, joining an incoming freshman class that includes Quentin Coleman, Lucas Morillo, Ethan Brown, Landon Davis and Xavier Zens.
A 6'5'' forward who looks the part of an athletic and lanky player, Williams apparently chose Illinois instead of UNLV and Virginia Tech.
According to this Chicago Sun-Times article, Williams remained uncommitted due to academic issues stemming from his junior season despite being the #1 ranked player in the state of Illinois his senior season.
I am not going to pretend I know much about Williams' game or saw another freshman even joining the Illini, but this move should be the last roster move heading into the summer and next season.
Williams' addition figures to be developmental for next season, with such late adds not always equating to long stays in Champaign. However, if Head Coach Brad Underwood feels that Williams' talent and potential are too good to pass up on, he has more than earned that trust.
With six freshman on the roster next season, chances are that at least two will be transferring after their first seasons. Such is the nature of modern college basketball, whether we like it or not, though I long for the days of players staying several years and developing. Illinois is certainly leaning younger after next season, and it shall be interesting to see which of these prep recruits stay long-term.
Here are some highlights of Williams in high school against 2027 Illini recruit Quinton Kitt.
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