Crandall Head nearing a decision

Crandall Head might be more than a regular visitor to C-U in the near future. It sounds like the Rich South sophomore could be the Illini's next commitment.

A 6-4 wing, Head said at tonight's Orange-Blue Scrimmage that he is looking to make an announcement on where he will attend college at some point this week.

"Either Tuesday or Wednesday," he said.

Head said he is leaning heavily toward Illinois, where his brother Luther became a star and where he feels most comfortable. Crandall Head has made three visits to Illinois this fall and took an extensive tour of the campus two weeeks ago. He's expected to be a college freshman for the 2010-11 season.

Crandall Head nearing a decision

Crandall Head sounds like he’s on board

Crandall Head, the brother of former Illini standout Luther Head, all but committed to the Illini when I spoke with him during the fourth quarter of Sunday evening’s Orange & Blue scrimmage at the Assembly Hall.

Head, a sophomore at Rich South High School, said he is considering Illinois, Marquette and Notre Dame, but Illinois is the only school he has visited. He was making an unofficial visit this weekend and said, “I like the way the recruit me. I like hanging out here. I like the players. They’re cool.”

He also said he is friends with Peoria’s D.J. Richardson and Waukegan’s Jereme Richmond, who have committed to the Illini, and added, “I like playing with guys like that.”

Crandall Head sounds like he’s on board

MJ revs up Illini

He rolled up in a silver Ferrari. He said the drive from the northern surburbs to Champaign was a “two cigar” trip. He’s still cooler than a December breeze.

Yes, Michael Jordan’s visit to Illinois basketball practice on Monday was an “event” for the players, coaches and managers on hand to witness it.

Jordan was in town to help film a piece on his son, Jeffrey Jordan, an Illini freshman walkon, and the relationship the two enjoy.

Illini athletic department spokesman Kent Brown said he’s been working on this for months, going back and forth with NBC and Jordan’s “people” to make the arrangements. Easier said than done, my friends. But Kent got everyone’s schedules in sync and Matt Lauer, MJ and Bruce Weber were all fitted with microphones while the four cameras rolled.

MJ revs up Illini

Bruce Weber Strikes Again! Class Of 2008 Chicago Simeon Star Stan Simpson Verbally Commits To Play Collegiately For The University Of Illinois

Brian Stinnette
October 15, 2007

Class of 2008 Chicago Simeon star Stan Simpson has given a verbal commitment to play his college basketball for head coach Bruce Weber, and the University of Illinois. His verbal comes on the heels of the Illini securing three 2009 verbals last week. Simpson ranks among the elite 2008 basketball prospects in the state of Illinois.

Simpson, who stands 6-9, is a long and highly athletic post, who has seen his recruiting stock skyrocket over the course of the past year. Offensively, Simpson is a post who has the ability to score the basketball with either hand. Defensively, Simpson has the ability to change games with his shot-blocking skills inside.

Chicago Simeon head coach Robert Smith confirmed Simpson's commitment to Illinois. Smith noted that the opportunity to play close to home, and the coaching staff at Illinois were both factors in Simpson's decision.

Bruce Weber Strikes Again! Class Of 2008 Chicago Simeon Star Stan Simpson Verbally Commits To Play Collegiately For The University Of Illinois

Head Coach Bruce Weber And The University Of Illinois Pick Up A Huge Verbal From Class Of 2009 Peoria Central Star D.J. Richardson

Head coach Bruce Weber and the University of Illinois have secured a huge verbal commitment from Class of 2009 Peoria Central star D.J. Richardson. Richardson is the top Class of 2009 basketball prospect in the state of Illinois, and is also held in high regard nationally. Richardson verballed at Peoria Central High School at 7:30 AM this morning.

Richardson, a 6-3 guard, is a supremely versatile player who makes things happen on both ends of the basktball court. He enjoyed a stellar run on the spring and summer travel team circuit while leading a talented Illinois Stars team.

Head Coach Bruce Weber, And The University Of Illinois Pick Up A Huge Verbal From Class Of 2009 Peoria Central Star D.J. Richardson

Bruce Weber Is On Fire!

Class of 2009 Warren Township star Brandon Paul has given a verbal commitment to head coach Bruce Weber, and the University of Illinois. Paul, who saw his recruiting stock skyrocket this spring and summer on the travel team circuit with Dickey Simpkins' Team NLP, ranks as one of the top Class of 2009 basketball prospects in the state of Illinois.

Paul, a 6-3 shooting guard, is a major talent on both ends of the basketball court. He has the ability to get points both slashing to hole, or by knocking down jumpers with range out beyond the three-point arc. Paul, who is both long and athletic, also has a chance to develop into a lockdown defensive player.

Paul's verbal comes on the heels of Class of 2009 Peoria Central star D.J. Richardson also making a commitment to play for Bruce Weber and Illinois. Paul, who's upside potential is through the roof, is the perfect compliment to Richardson in the 2009 Illinois recruiting class.

Bruce Weber Is On Fire! Illinois Scores A Second Huge Verbal As Class Of 2009 Warren Township Star Brandon Paul Verbals To The Illini

It Is Now Officially A Party In Champaign!

It is now officially a blowout recruiting party in Champaign as Class of 2009 Sterling High School basketball star Joseph Bertrand of the Illinois Wolves has now given a verbal commitment to play for head coach Bruce Weber, and the University of Illinois. Bertrand, one of the top 2009 prospects in Illinois, joins D.J. Richardson and Brandon Paul in the 2009 Illini recruiting class.

Bertand, who now stands 6-5, is a highly versatile, long and athletic wing. Bertrand is a major talent who oozes with potential. He teamed with highly regarded Diamond Taylor with the 16-U Illinois Wolves this past spring and summer to form a highly formidable duo.

It Is Now Officially A Party In Champaign! Class Of 2009 Sterling High School Star Joseph Bertrand Becomes Third 2009 University Of Illinois Verbal Commitment