Smith & lesson: Signing revives Illini
In a recruitment that came full circle, Edwardsville guard Mark Smith wrapped up his wild ride by committing to Illinois and coach Brad Underwood on Wednesday night. Illinois outlasted Michigan State, Ohio State, Butler and a late run by Kentucky.
Here are five reasons why the Smith commitment is so important to Illinois.
1. Brad Underwood’s first commit is impactful
Underwood had an advantage from the start because Smith had strong feelings toward Illinois even after the firing of John Groce. Plus, retaining assistant coach Jamall Walker brought some familiarity to the new staff.
Underwood still had to lock up a player who was there for the taking. In five- plus weeks on the job, Underwood has his first recruit, and Smith isn’t any ordinary recruit. He is a bona fide top- 100 national talent who can contribute immediately.
2. It helps erase some of the Tilmon sting
When prized recruit Jeremiah Tilmon of East St. Louis was lost, it hit Illinois hard. This was a signed recruit with all the work put in by the previous staff, including Walker. So, yes, it hurt. And it was a buzzkill for Illini fans.
3. Illinois holding off some bigname schools says something
There were some heavy hitters who came in on Smith late in the process, including Kentucky and Michigan State.
It would have been easy to be starstruck. But Illinois clearly battled and showed some grit holding off two programs that are clearly on a higher level than Illinois.
4. A much- needed jolt for Illini basketball
The hiring of a new coach always rejuvenates a struggling program. But Illinois fans, already reeling from having missed four consecutive NCAA tournaments, suffered a bit more after Tilmon opted out.
When you add a significant piece to the puzzle like Smith, the Mr. Basketball winner and a top- 100 player nationally, it’s a significant step in the right direction.
5. Smith brings a lot to the table
When the City/ Suburban Hoops Report releases its last Class of 2017 prospect rankings next month, Smith will finish as the No. 2 prospect in Illinois. But beyond the ranking, Smith brings a lot of substance with his game and character.
He’s a workhorse who wants to get better. The time he put in and the confidence he gained after devoting himself exclusively to basketball last summer were what turned him into a coveted high- major prospect.
Follow me on Twitter @ joehoopsreport.